World Cup 2022: Germany vs Costa Rica match preview

Hansi Flick’s aspect must beat Costa Rica to face an opportunity of qualifying for the Spherical of 16.

Germans celebrating their equalizing goal | Spain v Germany
Germany will want extra of such aim celebrations — like after their equaliser towards Spain on November 27 — if they're to progress within the World Cup [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]

Who: Germany vs Costa Rica, Group E

The place: Al Bayt Stadium

When: Thursday, December 1, 10pm (19:00 GMT)

FIFA rankings: Germany (11), Costa Rica (31)

Wounded Germany could have their backs to the wall once they tackle Costa Rica of their remaining World Cup Group E match on Thursday and know they need to bag their first win of the event, ideally by a big margin, to have any possibilities of advancing.

The Germans are backside of the group having gained just one level from their two matches up to now, elevating the spectre of one other first-round exit following their early elimination in Russia 4 years in the past.

Even victory over the Costa Ricans is probably not sufficient, and Germany will likely be trying to Spain to inflict defeat on Japan to open the door to the following spherical. A draw between Spain and Japan — or a win for Japan — would convey aim distinction into play, if Germany does defeat Costa Rica.

Spain high the group on 4 factors forward of Japan and Costa Rica, each on three.

Scoring has not been a powerful level for German coach Hansi Flick’s workforce however centre ahead Niclas Fuellkrug’s wonderful run for membership and nation in current months has improved their prospects. The 29-year-old, an unlikely addition to the squad previous to the event, snatched a late equaliser towards Spain after approaching as an alternative to maintain their hopes alive going into the ultimate group match.

germany
Niclas Fullkrug got here off the bench to equalise for Germany towards Spain [Matthew Childs/Reuters]

The burly striker is now a critical possibility to guide the road on Thursday with many German pundits and followers demanding he begin.

Nonetheless, assistant coach Marcus Sorg dampened expectations over Fuellkrug, saying he was “not a cure-all” for the workforce’s issues.

“We have now to see what impact which participant has at any given time,” Sorg stated. “We'd like a sure construction, stability and safety. Safety comes with consistency.”

No matter line-up Germany go together with, they know their job is to protect what stays of their as soon as highly effective event fame, having did not win the primary two matches in a World Cup group for the primary time.

Germany’s opponents on Thursday haven’t had a good time of it both — Costa Rica have had only one shot on course of their two matches.

Nonetheless, that shot resulted within the aim that introduced them victory over Japan and stored their qualification hopes alive. In the event that they defeat Germany and Spain beat Japan, they may end second within the group. It will be some story for a workforce that misplaced its first recreation 7-0 to make it to the Spherical of 16.

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