Friday’s 2022 World Cup attract Doha has thrown up some intriguing group stage video games, with European heavyweights Germany and Spain the headline act.
Group E has pitted four-time winners Germany and 2010 champions Spain collectively in what’s a mouth-watering contest so early within the event. Whoever emerges victorious is certain to be favorite to high the group, which additionally options Japan and Costa Rica/New Zealand.
The hotly anticipated recreation is scheduled for Sunday, November 27, and can see Hansi Flick coming face-to-face with Luis Enrique.
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Spain have the psychological benefit after thrashing Germany 6-0 within the Nations League again in November 2020 – however Die Mannschaft have considerably improved since then, profitable eight of their final 9 video games.
We made contact with our colleagues at each Eurosport Germany and Spain to learn the way this intriguing recreation might probably play out.
How have previous conferences gone between the 2 nations?
Dennis Melzer – Eurosport Germany: Spain could be described as a little bit of a nemesis. Within the final aggressive video games, the German staff didn’t look notably good in opposition to La Roja. Within the ultimate of the 2008 European Championship, Germany misplaced 0-1 (Fernando Torres netting the decisive aim), two years later in South Africa additionally (Carles Puyol scored the sport’s solely aim to ship Spain by means of to the ultimate). However the largest humiliation was the 0-6 loss to Spain in November 2020 [in the Nations League]. Within the group stage at World Cups, nevertheless, Germany have by no means misplaced in opposition to Spain in three duels.
Enrique Sanchez – Eurosport Spain: Very nice for Spain. Within the final match, within the UEFA Nations League, Spain received 6-0 and within the earlier match, it ended 1-1, so a very good consequence (each in 2020). Aside from these two, a few pleasant matches (nothing necessary). And naturally, the 2010 World Cup semi-final ended 0-1 for Spain with Puyol’s well-known header.
Ought to your supervisor be assured forward of this recreation?
Dennis Melzer – Hansi Flick nonetheless has a while to search out his greatest staff. Principally, I believe Germany is enjoying higher soccer underneath him than underneath Jogi Low. Flick all the time approaches his duties with confidence, as he has already confirmed at FC Bayern. As well as, resulting from his work as an assistant coach underneath Low, he’s skilled relating to World Cups. Spain continues to be one of many hardest opponents Germany might have met.
Enrique Sanchez – Sure. He has proven that’s by no means afraid of different groups. He is aware of the way to adapt however he often would not modify his fashion an excessive amount of. So if he might have a very good staff (fine condition) for November, Spain ought to be assured and ready for this large match.
How can we anticipate your nation to strategy this recreation – would a draw be a perfect consequence or will they be going all out for victory?
Dennis Melzer – I am certain Germany can be proud of a draw in opposition to Spain. Nonetheless, Flick is a coach who doesn’t play for a draw, however all the time goes for a win. We’ll have to attend and see how the sport develops, however I can not think about Germany hiding in opposition to Spain.
Enrique Sanchez – He’s going for the victory it doesn’t matter what, however as it’ll be the second match (and Spain in all probability would win the primary) possibly they may take a draw if Germany is superior through the recreation. Like I mentioned earlier than, Luis Enrique has a method, an concept, he modifies little issues relying on the gamers that he might use, however he often performs the identical method. Excessive stress, quite a lot of ball, enjoying on the edges with triangles to advance after which moving into the world with quite a lot of gamers. Additionally, the youthful gamers that he makes use of attempt to play sooner and generally it really works, however I do not know if this could be doable in opposition to Germany.
Which opposition participant will fear your staff probably the most?
Dennis Melzer – For those who take a look at the final duel, Ferran Torres specifically should set off unhealthy reminiscences for Germany. In any case, he scored three targets in a 6-0 win. It’s clear that Spain has a incredible staff general. We do not simply take a look at Ferran, but additionally at gamers like Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Alvaro Morata, Rodri and so forth.
Enrique Sanchez – Thomas Muller. He possibly not probably the most showy, however for certain probably the most clever. We might defend in opposition to quick gamers, however the hole between Sergio Busquets and Eric Garcia (or the gamers of their positions) is a key zone to defend that they’ve proven at Barcelona a number of occasions that they aren’t actually good at. For those who put Muller as a second striker or false winger, he might do quite a lot of injury.
How will your staff really feel about Group E on the whole?
Dennis Melzer – Spain is clearly the primary rival on this group. Germany should defeat the opposite two opponents in purely nominal phrases. So, reaching the spherical of the final 16 is a should for Flick’s staff.
Enrique Sanchez – Assured on the whole, Germany is a harmful rival, however we should always win in opposition to Japan and the opposite two nations with out downside. This could possibly be an issue additionally, an excessive amount of confidence… Perhaps Japan will get you into some bother.
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