Fifa World Cup: Germany fighting for survival as Spain, Japan eye last 16 in Qatar
- German coach Hansi Flick insists his team has quality to bounce back against a rampant Spain team who obliterated Costa Rica 7-0
- The prospect of an early German exit – 4 years after bowing out at the 2018 finals in Russia – was practically unthinkable before the tournament
Germany face a fight for World Cup survival in a must-win clash with Spain, as Japan and Belgium look to seal their place in the last 16.
For the second World Cup running, Germany could suffer a humiliating exit in the group phase if they lose their Group E clash with in-form Spain at the Al Bayt Stadium, which kicks off at 3am Hong Kong time on Monday.
The four-time champions were left staring down the barrel of elimination after crashing to a shock 2-1 loss to Japan in their opening fixture.
The prospect of an early German exit – four years after bowing out at the same stage at the 2018 finals in Russia – was practically unthinkable before the tournament.
German coach Hansi Flick insisted on Saturday his team had the quality to bounce back against a rampant Spain, who obliterated Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening game.
“We have a team that has quality, that can implement the things (we are working on), and we are very positive about it,” Flick said.