A duel with a face of decision. In the biggest classic of the first phase of the 2022 World Cup, Spain and Germany face each other this Sunday, at 4 pm (Brasília time), for the second round of Group E. The match is worth a lot for the Germans, who debuted in the World Cup with defeat, and it will be at the Al Bayt stadium, in Al Khor, in Qatar.
After the historic defeat in the debut, Luis Enrique must repeat the same lineup for this Sunday’s match. Busquets returns to play in the midfield sector, with Rodri in the defense, and the team is betting on the potential of the new generation in midfield.
Possible changes involve the names of two players: striker Morata and right-back Carvajal. They got cold before their opener and ended up on the bench against Japan. With the good performance of the holders, the tendency is for them to follow as an option.
Despite the comeback loss to Japan, Germany played well until both teams were replaced. The tendency is for coach Hansi Flick to repeat the lineup that entered the field against the Japanese.
There are two possible exceptions. One would be the debut of striker Leroy Sané, who lost the first match injured – the German coaching staff has made a mystery about the player. If he enters, Sané could replace the young Musiala or the experienced Thomas Muller.
Another change is also speculated: Sule would leave the right side for the defense. That way Schlotterbeck would leave the team and Kehrer would act on the right.
BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE: YES
The results of the last match of both teams were surprising. Spaniards and Germans will probably not repeat the same performances of both debuts in this game. Well, a match featuring world champions requires a different attitude.
But if there’s one thing we can expect from this game, it’s goals. The two teams are offensive teams that will look for the attack during all 90 minutes. Spain’s aim is to qualify early and Germany to stay alive in the competition.
With the stars that make up the teams’ attacks, a good betting tip is to put predictions on the market for both teams to score. Because the fans know that this is the kind of game that doesn’t come out 0-0.
SCORING THE FIRST GOAL: SPAIN
La Roja will certainly start this game with a strong attack, looking for the goal before the Germans manage to organize themselves and regain confidence after the defeat by the Japanese.
The Spaniards’ nose for goals found the German net right from the start, with strikers like Ferran Torres, Álvaro Morata, and midfield geniuses Gavi and Pedri.
The Spanish team comes confident after the defeat in the first duel and at the same time cautious. Seeking to score goals as soon as possible so as not to give any gap to the German team.
Coach Luis Enrique knows that he can’t give space to Germany, who, despite the unexpected defeat against Japan, have their value. The Spanish fury is expected to involve the opponents with their high possession of the ball.
Thus, Spain must enter the match seeking to resolve as soon as possible and therefore must score the first goal. The odds for this guess are 1.87, which can be higher depending on the bookmaker.
BOOK ANYTIME: FERRAN TORRES
Ferran Torres, a 22-year-old Barcelona striker, scored two of the seven goals against Costa Rica. With skill to spare, it’s expected he won’t pass through Germany without making his mark.
The Spanish number 11 will have help from his teammates in the middle, who are known for creating good ball passes and making it possible to reach the penalty area, Gavi and Pedri. In addition to veteran Sergio Busquets.
It is necessary to recognize the unquestionable quality of the German team, which has good players in all lines, but who arrive at the match with shaken confidence as a result of the last game.
To guarantee goals, Spain must balance the confidence gained in the defeat against Costa Rica with the hard, fast and calculated game to pass unscathed by the giant Germany.
