Group E

Spain v Germany

21:00 kick-off

Match background

One of the most anticipated matches at this year’s FIFA World Cup, two sides that are genuine contenders to win the global showpiece.

Spain come into this clash oozing with confidence following an emphatic 7-0 win over Costa Rica to grab the favourites tag in Group E, while the Germans were shocked by Japan after losing 2-1 in the opening round.

The pedigree of the teams in this group suggests it is easily one that could go right down to the wire.

Pundits view this fixture as one that will give a clearer idea of how ready either side is to challenge France to take over as champions as they both were recently crowned winners.

Spain won the World Cup in 2010, while Germany succeeded them four years later.

Team News

Spain

Although Germany are wounded, the opposition coach Luis Enrique still sees them as a real threat and during his news conference he spoke of the match being ideal to test themselves early on in Qatar.

While thrashing Costa Rica by a big margin indicated just how good they are, there’s a lingering notion that the quality of the opposition is questionable.

Costa Rica are the lowest-ranked team in the group.

“Germany are a team that always plays on the attack,” Enrique told the media.

“That they need a result could have an impact, but they always try to keep the ball, press, they're the team that plays most like Spain in the sense they want to control and dominate the game. It means that for us it's a beautiful challenge, we have the same objectives, so I think it will be an open game.”

Whoever wins this game will be considered World Cup favourites.

Germany

They’ve received a boost ahead of the match. Forward Leroy Sane has returned to training after being sidelined for the Japan defeat.

Sane, who plays for Bayern Munich, is enjoying a purple patch at the club with 10 goals in 10 games coming into the tournament.

He was a notable absentee in the Japan loss.

Another talking point is where attacker Kai Havertz will play: Is he a striker, midfielder or winger? The Chelsea star was visibly annoyed during the press conference when asked about his best position in the national team.

Will the pressure get to him?

Players to watch

Marco Asensio

Age: 26

Club: Real Madrid (Spain)

The talented winger is in the final months of his contract with Los Blancos as there seems to be an impasse with having it renewed.

Not that any of the rival clubs need convincing regarding his quality, but there’s no better platform than the World Cup for Asensio to remind Real of his true worth and attract even more suitors after the competition.

He scored what was surprisingly only his second goal for Spain in the win over Costa Rica, but seeing as he is a key feature, there’s plenty of opportunity to add to that tally.

Serge Gnabry

Age: 27

Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)

He is the second-highest goal scorer for his club in the Bundesliga so far this season, with eight goals from 15 matches. The kind of form that would have made him one of the first names on the team sheet for coach Hansi Flick.

Gnabry is an explosive winger, who can play as a focal point when needed and judging by how Germany got their World Cup campaign underway, the former Arsenal star will have to step up his game and bring his club form to the fore.

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Editors Pick