Following a shock 2-1 loss to Japan, Germany will desperately need a result against Spain to stay in contention at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Germans have a horrible record against La Roja but can they win at least one half on Sunday? Bookmaker 10bet has the odds at 1.90 for them to come out on top in either half, while the odds are at 1.62 for Spain to win at least one half.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: November 26th, 6:00 P.M. (EST)
Germany didn’t have any trouble winning the first half against Japan, and they were in full control for most of the game, but the game was suddenly turned on its head inside the final 20 minutes. The Japanese added some attacking quality off the bench and elected a more adventurous approach on the pitch, and Germany simply couldn’t cope with it.
Hansi Flick has done an impressive job at the helm, but he clearly failed to manage this game properly and it’s now left the team in a very bad spot. Even a draw on Sunday might not be a good enough result for Germany to avoid falling into an uncomfortable position for the final round of fixtures in the group stage.
With Germany facing a side that beat them 6-0 in the last head-to-head meeting, the mood around the team can’t be good ahead of Sunday’s action. The huge loss is part of a run that has resulted in Germany winning only one of the last seven meetings between these two big footballing nations.
Spain’s opposition in the opening round wasn’t of good quality but you still have to admire how they took care of business. The 7-0 victory over Costa Rica marks their biggest-ever win at the World Cup, and Luis Enrique’s men finished the game without allowing a single shot attempt while completing 976 passes to Costa Rica’s 165.
If Germany wants to get anything out of the match on Sunday, they definitely have to make it much more difficult for Spain to keep hold of the ball. The defensive work must start with a focus on Gavi and Pedri. The Barca youngsters were in full control of the midfield against Costa Rica and played like this was their fourth World Cup, not the first. They will go up against much better players on Sunday, but the two have already gained plenty of experience on the top level and shouldn’t be shaken by anyone they face.
