Germany faces a must-win matchup with Spain on Sunday to try to survive the World Cup while Japan and Belgium want to make the last 16. If Germany loses their Group E matchup with in-form Spain at the Al Bayt Stadium, they will be eliminated from the World Cup for the second time. After suffering a shocking 2-1 defeat to Japan in their opening match on Wednesday, the four-time champions now face elimination.
Before the tournament, it was practically unthinkable that Germany would exit early, four years after losing at the same stage at the 2018 finals in Russia.
On Saturday, German coach Hansi Flick insisted that his team had the ability to recover from Spain’s 7-0 defeat of Costa Rica in their opening match.
meanwhile, Spain coach Luis Enrique claims that his team faces a “beautiful challenge” as they attempt to advance to the round of 16 with a victory.
However, Luis Enrique emphasized that Germany’s World Cup history—they won their fourth title in 2014—means that nothing can be taken for granted.
The Spain coach stated, “They are world champions, when you look at their shirt, there are four stars.”
– Past their peak:
If Spain won, Japan would also advance to the knockout stages if they beat Costa Rica.
The skilled and energetic Blue Samurai look set to advance to the round of 16 against an aging Costa Rica team that appeared to have been taken in by Father Time during Spain’s dissection.
However, Japan captain Maya Yoshida cautioned on Saturday that his team would not take the Costa Ricans for granted.
Belgium, who finished third in 2018 and face Morocco in Group F on Sunday, have a chance to advance if they win. Belgium captain Eden Hazard said on Saturday that the Red Devils’ vaunted “Golden Generation” is also past its peak, but insisted they are still World Cup contenders.
but we have experience and the world’s best goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.
The other Group F matchup on Sunday pits 2018 runners-up Croatia against Canada, who are competing in their first World Cup since 1986.
After a shocking opening loss to Saudi Arabia, Argentina resurrected their campaign after goals from Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez secured a 2-0 win over Mexico in Group C. On Saturday, France became the first team into the second round after two goals from Kylian Mbappe inspired a 2-1 victory over Denmark in Group D.