Spain vs Germany to potentially decide who tops the group
Group E of the World Cup in Qatar brings Spain, Costa Rica, Japan and Germany. Spain is in 7th in FIFA world rankings. Costa Rica is in 31st place, Germany is in 11th place whilst Japan occupies 24th place. The opening matches of this group are Germany vs Japan and Spain vs Costa Rica. Arguably the game of this match is Spain vs Germany given the fact that they have the highest rankings out of the whole group. Also because of the amount of history that both team have makes this fixture more exciting to watch. Spain and Germany are the favorites to go through in the knockout round. However Costa Rica and Japan will want to make a statement in this group as well.
Beware of Japan’s talented squad
Japan had a good qualifying round with 7 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats. Japan also scored 12 and conceded 4. They were edged by just by just one point by Saudi Arabia and will be disappointed they never reached higher. Nevertheless they still made it to the World Cup. This is their seventh appearance in the World Cup and they will want to get something out of the group. Japan will be going to the World Cup with Kubo, Kamada, Minamino and many other players which will give them much confidence to do something special in the World Cup. They also have Nagatomo who has been recognized in Europe for his speed. Japan did make it to the knockout rounds last World Cup in 2018. All though they are competing with Spain and Germany Japan will not go down without a fight.
Can Costa Rica repeat their 2014 quarterfinal success
Costa Rica will be making their sixth appearance in the World Cup. The Costa Ricans will be hoping to take inspiration from their 2014 heroics where they reached the quarter finals. In that year they also topped their group. Costa Rica managed to overcome New Zealand thanks to an early goal from Joel Campbell. Their win against New Zealand also marked their third consecutive World Cup appearance. They have friendlies against Nigeria and Iraq in preparation for the World Cup and will hope to enter the competition in good form. Bryan Ruiz is expected to make yet another appearance in for Costa Rica, Joel Campbell and Yelstin Tejeda will be representing them at the World Stage. Costa Rica definitely will have to pull the rabbit out of the hat if they are to overcome Spain or Germany.
Will Germany redeem themselves from their WC humiliation in Russia
The 2014 World Cup champions will be seeking redemption in Qatar. After getting knocked out in their group by South Korea the Germans will do everything to go all the way. The Germans disappointed in the Euros as well as they were beaten 2-0 by England. They face a rematch of the 2010 semi-final against Spain in what could potentially determine the group winners. Germany topped their group as they won all but one game. They come into this tournament with much promise in attack and midfield but struggle at the back. They conceded nine goals in six games only winning one game against Italy. If Germany is to go far they will definitely have to fix their defense without a doubt. Teams such as England, Brazil and Spain can all capitalize on weak defenses and it is important Germany is not vulnerable at the back.
Spain go into Qatar with high hopes
The 2010 World Cup champions suffered a shock defeat last World Cup to Russia on penalties. They will be hoping to bounce back from that with a strong performance in Qatar. Nevertheless Spain’s squad has definitely improved in recent years. They made it to the Nations League finals as well as the Euros semi finals and they are also in the Nations League semi-finals again. They will hope to take inspiration from their recent performances and apply it when they go to Qatar. Spain’s squad may not be anything close to the days of tiki-taka however their squad can still challenge for the World Cup. Morata, Torres, Koke, Gavi, Llorente are just a few players capable of taking Spain far into the competition. La Roja’s defense can be shaky at times but their attack and midfield definitely makes up for it.
