Team news and predicted lineups

Germany have their backs against the wall ahead of their upcoming World Cup game against Spain.

After slipping to a shocking 1-2 defeat at the hands of Japan in their World Cup opening match, Germany face Spain in a do-or-die match on Sunday at 20:00 CET.
Hansi Flick’s troops will be out to bounce back, knowing they will likely have to beat Spain to keep their hopes of avoiding a second successive World Cup group stage exit alive.

However, Spain should be heading into the game with plenty of confidence after thrashing Costa Rica 7-0 in their first group stage match.

Germany coach Hansi Flick is expected to make at least one change to the side that lost to Japan, with Nico Schlotterbeck widely tipped to make way for Thilo Kehrer in the backline.

Leon Goretzka and Jonas Hofmann are also contention to start, while Niclas Füllkrug could force his way into the starting eleven if Flick wants to play with a natural centre forward instead of Kai Havertz.

Germany hope to have Leroy Sané back after a knee injury, with the coaching team set to make a late decision on his involvement. Even if he makes the squad, it’s doubtful that he’ll be fit enough for a starting place.

As for the opponents, Spain coach Luis Enrique has promised changes despite his side’s impressive 7-0 win over Costa Rica. Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Morata are both pushing to start after missing the first game due to illness.

“I don’t know who is going to play, but surely we won’t repeat the lineup. We will not play seven games with 11. I’m sure I’ll change,” Luis Enrique said, according to Reuters.

Click here to see our predicted lineups.

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