Spain vs Germany Predictions & Match Preview

Spain vs Germany predictions and match preview for Sunday’s World Cup Group E fixture. Read on for analysis as Luis Enrique’s team target a place in the knockout stage.

Spain vs Germany Preview

Spain and Germany face off in a heavyweight clash in World Cup Group E this weekend. It’s a pressure game for the Germans after their shock defeat to Japan and La Roja have the opportunity to potentially knock Hansi Flick’s team out by winning this match.

That will depend on the outcome of Japan-Costa Rica earlier in the day, but for Spain there is no reason not to approach this game with optimism. They were outstanding against a desperately poor Costa Rican team on the opening matchday, hammering the Central Americans 7-0 in what was as close to perfect a display as you will see. Spain enjoyed 82% possession and their opponents didn’t manage a single attempt on Unai Simon’s goal.

Barcelona teenager Gavi was among those to excel for Spain and he scored arguably the pick of the goals with a fine volley. Tougher tests will clearly come, starting with this one, but the performance was certainly a big boost for Luis Enrique given how his team have often struggled to break down defensive teams in the past. Despite the dominant display, changes are expected here with the Spain boss a flexible coach who will adapt his tactics and personnel according to each opponent.

Germany meanwhile are reeling after a 2-1 defeat against Japan. They generated headlines for their pre-match protest but the suggestion they lost focus on football is wide of the mark. There wasn’t a great deal wrong with their display for three quarters of a game which they largely bossed against quite a strong Japanese side whose main threat was on the break. However Flick’s decision to withdraw Thomas Muller and particularly Ilkay Gundogan in the 67th minute appeared to spectacularly backfire with Germany losing control of the game after that and conceding twice.

All of a sudden, Germany find themselves in real danger in this group. Spain’s 7 goal win compounded their problems on Wednesday as goal difference is the primary tie breaker in this World Cup and there is a scenario where even two wins won’t see them through now. A draw would be almost as bad as a defeat here and Germany really need to be bold and target the victory.

Possible Lineups

Spain

Simon – Alba, Laporte, Torres, Azpilicueta – Gavi, Busquets, Pedri – Olmo, Morata, Ferran (4-3-3)

Germany

Neuer – Raum, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Sule – Gundogan, Kimmich, Goretzka – Musiala, Havertz, Gnabry (4-3-3)

Score Prediction: Spain 2-1 Germany

Spain have tended to enjoy life against Germany in recent years and ran out 6-0 winners when the sides last met in the UEFA Nations League in 2020. This is a German team that does look vulnerable defensively, particularly in the full-back areas and if Spain can find a similar level to the Costa Rica game, they stand every chance of winning this match and knocking the Germans out of the tournament.

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