2022 FIFA World Cup: Spain vs Germany — Preview, Team News, Kickoff Time, Probable XI, TV Channels to watch and more

After their 2-1 humiliation by Japan, the spectre of an embarrassing World Cup group-stage exit hangs over Die Mannschaft ahead of tonight's game with Spain at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al-Khor.

If Germany loses again and Japan avoids defeat against Spain in Thursday's other Group E game, Hans-Dieter Flick’s side will join Brazil (1966), France (2002) and Italy (2010) in the list of former World Cup champions to have fallen at the first hurdle.


For the first time since 2006, Spain managed to win their opening game at the mundial, after flogging Costa Rica 7-0 at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.


Many are of the view that Spain might find it difficult to replicate such a dominant performance in tonight's match against Germany, but they are optimistic of success ahead of this evening's encounter after securing a 6-0 victory against Die Mannschaft in the UEFA Nations League the last time they met in November 2020.


Most German's and columnists has described the fixture as “life or death”, but legendary Lothar Matthäus  — architect of the triumphs at the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1980 — says there was too much drama in the build up to their game against Japan which disturbed their concentration and distracted the team – and thus means they lacked the crucial 5 or 10%.”.


TEAM NEWS

Spain boss Luis Enrique might name an unchanged starting lineup on tonight following their massiver win over Costa Rica,


Attacking trio Olmo, Asensio and Torres all in line to retain their spots in a phlegmatic front three.


Midfielders Pedri and Sergio Busquets, alongside fellow Barcelona Eighteen-year-old youngster Gavi, who made World Cup history with his goal on Wednesday, is expected to start again.


Jordi Alba is poised to start at left-back with Aymeric Laporte was surprisingly joined at centre-back by Manchester City teammate Rodri, may keep his place at the heart of the defence for La Roja.


For Germany, Leroy Sane remains doubtful for tonight's game, despite returning to training in the last few days after missing the defeat against Japan due to a knee injury.


Germany boss Flick is unlikely to make too many changes to his starting lineup, with a back four of Antonio Rudiger, Niklas Sule, David Raum and Nico Schlotterbeck set to remain intact, protecting post minder Manuel Neuer between the sticks.


Joshua Kimmich will expect to keep his place in centre-midfield alongside Gundogan, with the Man City man looking to become the first player since Miroslav Klose in 2002 to score in both of Germany's first two matches at a World Cup.


Kai Havertz struggled in the final third last time out and his position up front could come under threat from Karim Adeyemi, Niclas Fullkrug and Youssoufa Moukoko.


PROBABLE XI

Spain: Simon; Azpilicueta, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; F. Torres, Asensio, Olmo

Germany: Neuer; Sule, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Kimmich, Gundogan; Gnabry, Muller, Musiala; Havertz


MATCH OFFICIALS

Center Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)

Assistant 1: Hessel Steegstra (Netherlands)

Assistant 2: Jan de Vries  (Netherlands)

Fourth Official: Istvan Kovacs (Romania)

Video Assistant Referee: Paulus van Boekel (Netherlands)

Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (Italy)

Offside Video Assistant Referee: Taleb Al Marri (Qatar)

Support Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri (Italy)

Standby Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Mihai Artene (Romania)


CHANNEL: Kickgh.com, StarTimes, GTVSports+, Globe TV, ETV, SuperSport,


KICKOFF: 19:00 GMT (7:00pm)


By: Pascal Nii Gogo Amoah