Key occasions
Spain get the ball rolling. A enormous 90 minutes (plus) developing.
The groups are out. Spain in crimson, Germany white and black. A glance of uncooked emotion in Luis Enrique’s eyes as he listens to the Spanish anthem. Earlier at this time on Instagram he posted a message to his late daughter Xana, who handed in 2019. “In the present day is a big day. Not solely as a result of we play Germany, but in addition as a result of my daughter Xana could be turning 13 years previous. My love, wherever you might be, we love you.” So troublesome to learn, so beautiful as effectively. All the things in perspective.
Pre-match postbag. “It’s 2.30 within the morning right here and my complete rattling sleep schedule has been interrupted. I might be cheering for Germany as a result of I’m from Costa Rica and I completely hate Spain’s type of soccer. Humph” – Alexandra Fullerton.
“German tv simply confirmed a clip detailing the strengths of the German groups of previous and contrasted how the present model is missing all of them. It completed with the nice quote about soccer, tailored to the present type of the Nationalmannschaft: A recreation lasts 90 minutes and ultimately… the opposite workforce wins” – Oliver Lind.
A sign lack of soccer fever on show right here. Although to be honest, it’s Sunday night, and Sunday evenings have been a whole back-to-school downer since time immemorial. Particularly on BBC1. [Trigger warning: pensioners careering down country lane in bath]
Spain make one change to their beginning XI following the 7-0 rout of Costa Rica. Dani Carvajal replaces Cesar Azpilicueta in defence.
Germany reply to the earth’s-orbit-compromising loss to Japan by making two modifications to their beginning line-up. Thilo Kehrer replaces Nico Schlotterbeck, whereas ahead Kai Havertz makes means for an additional midfielder in Leon Goretzka.
The groups
Spain: Simon, Carvajal, Rodri, Laporte, Jordi Alba, Gavi, Busquets, Gonzalez, Ferran Torres, Asensio, Olmo.
Subs: Sanchez, Azpilicueta, Garcia, Pau Torres, Llorente, Morata, Koke, Williams, Raya, Balde, Guillamon, Pino, Carlos Soler, Sarabia, Fati.
Germany: Neuer, Sule, Kehrer, Rudiger, Raum, Gundogan, Kimmich, Goretzka, Gnabry, Muller, Musiala.
Subs: Ginter, Havertz, Fullkrug, Gotze, Trapp, Klostermann, Brandt, Hofmann, Sane, Gunter, ter Stegen, Schlotterbeck, Adeyemi, Kotchap, Moukoko.
Preamble
Good night, and welcome to our protection of the primary heavyweight battle of the 2022 World Cup. Early this morning, all of us assumed it could be infused with excessive jeopardy for Germany: after their shock 2-1 loss to Japan final week, defeat by the hands of Spain – who beat them 6-0 the final time they met, and might be hoping to seal qualification tonight – would see them packing. The 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014 winners out on the group stage once more.
However then Costa Rica shocked Japan this lunchtime. Now Group E seems like this …
… so Germany can afford to lose once more tonight and, offering they haven’t let the aim distinction spiral uncontrolled, nonetheless have a sensible likelihood of creating it by means of to the final 16. Beat Costa Rica handsomely whereas Spain see off Japan, and that’d be the job achieved.
After all, nothing’s ever fairly so simple as that. In that state of affairs, even when they see off the Costa Ricans simply sufficient, Japan might be combating for his or her lives towards a Spain B aspect, Luis Enrique’s primary males taking a well-earned relaxation having nearly as good as received the group, and a draw could be sufficient to knock Germany out.
However you can tire your self out working by means of all of the attainable outcomes. Backside line is, Germany want a win to realistically maintain it in their very own arms. (A draw would maintain it of their arms mathematically, however they’d almost definitely want a cricket rating towards Costa Rica.) Finest simply to focus on issues in hand. Kick off is at 7pm GMT, 10pm on the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. انه يحدث! It’s on!