One of the strongest teams in World Cup history takes on Asian opponents at the Khalifa International Stadium in the opening game of Group E on Wednesday 23 November. Germany are the outright favourites to win this contest, with many tipping them to go all the way and lift the coveted trophy in December. But Japan should not be ruled out easily, as they are just as capable of frustrating even the best team on their day.
To Win
Germany 4/9 | Draw 10/3 | Japan 11/2
Germany will go into this fixture with less than the desired confidence following their recent history in international match-ups which has seen them lose in the Round of 16 against England during the 2020 Euros, and a third-place finish in their group in the Nations League.
With this being Hansi Flick’s first major tournament since taking over the reins from Joachim Low, all the pressure to win falls on the four-time world champions who have never lost to Japan in international play (two wins and two draws).
Their World Cup squad is headlined by the surprise call up of Borussia Dortmund’s 17-year-old forward Youssoufa Moukoko in place of the injured Timo Werner. Moukoko has scored six goals in the Bundesliga so far this season.
There is also a sensational return for 30-year-old midfielder Mario Gotze, who is back in the national team after five years out. Gotze, who scored the winning goal for Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, is back to his best after returning to the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt this season.
Having qualified for their first ever World Cup in 1998, the Samurai Blues have not failed to make an appearance at the tournament ever since.
And while they have never got passed the Round of 16, they have advanced out of the group stages three times.
Hajime Moriyasu’s squad is undoubtably a talented one, which will look to use their fixture against Germany to give a good account of themselves and possibly pull off an upset in the opening match of Group E.
Moriyasu recently stated that Japan are aiming for the quarter-finals and no less than that, meaning the attacking threat of Takumi Minamino, Takefusa Kubo and Daichi Kamada will have their work cut out for them.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Kamada is the engine of the Japanese team and will arguably be their most important player in this World Cup. He also brings a winning mentality to the squad, having helped Eintracht Frankfurt win the Europa League in May this year.
In defence, young Arsenal right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu will be tasked with manning the right flank, and will charge up the pitch on their counter attacks.
Prediction: Germany Win (4/9)
This will be a fast-paced game with goals guaranteed from both teams, but the experience and edge go to Germany. For me, they win 3-1.
