DOHA- When the World Cup draw came out in April, one of the highlights of the group stage was Sunday’s match between Spain and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium.
Nearly eight months later, the game between the two former world champions and pre-tournament favorites gained even more prominence thanks to Germany’s surprising loss to Japan in its opener in Qatar.
Another setback against Spain this weekend and Germany may be heading home early for the second straight World Cup. A loss — coupled with at least a draw by Japan against Costa Rica in the earlier match Sunday — will mean elimination for the four-time champions.
“We are optimistic,” Germany coach Hansi Flick said Saturday. “We have to be brave and believe in our quality. We want to stick to our game because we have the quality.”
Spain, meanwhile, will be looking to secure its spot in the next stage and reinforce its status as one of the top title contenders following an impressive 7-0 rout of Costa Rica in its opener.
“It’s a big test for us,” Spain coach Luis Enrique said. “In such an important event like this, against one of the favourites to win the World Cup, in a complicated situation for them, we want to show that we will not play differently, and that we will try to dominate from the start. And if it works, fantastic. If not, we will congratulate our rival.”
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