Two giant nations of football face off in a Group E heavyweight clash under the floodlights of the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday. For the Germans, this is definitely a pressure game after their shock defeat to Japan, while La Roja have the opportunity to potentially knock Hansi Flick’s team out by winning this match (depending on the outcome of Japan vs Costa Rica earlier in the day).
To Win Match
Spain 5/4 | Draw 5/2 | Germany 9/5
Spain were nothing short of outstanding against a desperately fragile Costa Rica side in their opening fixture, ruthlessly thrashing Los Ticos 7-0 in was as close to a perfect display as you will see. La Roja bossed the game, enjoying 82% ball possession while their opponents failed to register a single shot at Unai Simon’s goal – on target or otherwise.
Being the third youngest squad at World Cup this year doesn’t seem to faze the Spaniards one bit, instead they seem much more determined to prove their value, while demonstrating that Luis Enrique is potentially nurturing the next dominant European team.
Tougher tests will surely come for Spain, but the performance was certainly a big boost for Enrique given how his team have often struggled to break down defensive teams in the past.
Despite that dominant display, I expect Spanish boss to reel in some changes against Germany, with the 52-year-old being a flexible coach who adapts his tactics and personnel according to each opponent.
It seems inconceivable that Germany could be knocked out of the Group Stage for the second World Cup in a row, but if they fail to get anything from this match, that is exactly what they are facing.
They suddenly find themselves in real danger in this ‘group of death’. Spain’s seven-goal win escalated their problems on Wednesday as goal difference could be the primary tie breaker in this Group and there is a scenario where even two wins won’t see them go through now. A draw would be almost as bad as a defeat here and Germany really need to be bold and target the victory.
There wasn’t a great deal wrong with their display for three quarters of a game which they largely bossed against solid Japanese side whose main threat was on the break. However, Flick’s decision to withdraw key players such as Thomas Muller and Ilkay Gundogan in the second half appeared to backfire in spectacular fashion as his side immediately lost control of the game after that and conceded twice.
This is bound to be an intense midfield battle in which Germany should be able to hold their own. The question is whether this team is mentally strong enough to handle the pressure of facing another Group Stage exit.
Verdict: Spain Win and BTTS (29/10)
I see goals from both sides on Friday, but La Roja will be the better team and their eye-catching performance will confirm Germany’s early departure.
