Without a doubt, this is one of the biggest ties of the 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage. It is beyond thrilling to see two true football powerhouse square off so early in the tournament. Spain are on top of the group, but after Japan’s shock victory over Germany, the Germans now need to win to keep their chances of qualification alive.
Both of these previous World Cup champions experienced conflicting emotions in their opening matches, with Germany losing to Japan despite holding a 1-0 lead at a point, and Spain defeating pitiful Costa Rica 7-0 in a morale-booking victory.
Hansi Flick would have been pleased with how his team played against Japan in the first half. With the exception of a Daizen Maeda finish that was correctly ruled out for offside, they mainly controlled the tempo and were hardly tested at the back. But following the restart, the Samurai Blue found their mojo and produced a historic comeback against a superpower. That result means Germany must defeat Spain or their World Cup campaign will end by a thread.
Spain’s record-breaking 7-0 victory over Costa Rica served as a reminder of the quality they have and why they shouldn’t be ruled out of going all the way in this tournament. But they face a much tougher test on Sunday against Germany who will be desperate to avoid going out in the group stages.
Since winning the World Cup in 2010, Spain has struggled on the greatest international stage, going out in the group stage in 2014 and then losing on penalties to the 2018 hosts Russia in the last 16. La Roja would all but guarantee their spot in the knockout rounds before their last group match against Japan with a statement victory over Germany, which might put them back in the mix of contenders to win the tournament in Qatar this year and William Hill is backing Luis Enrique’s men to do claim all three points with sweet 11/18 on offer.