World Cup Spain v Germany tips: La Roja looking to put European rivals on early flight home
- Sergiu Baltuta
- 26 November 2022
Wednesday's shock defeat to Japan has left Germany's World Cup hopes in tatters, but Tipstrr football expert Sergiu Baltuta suggests they can still avoid a second straight early World Cup exit.
When the 2022 World Cup draw was made earlier this year, one huge heavyweight clash immediately stood out, with Spain taking on Germany in a mouthwatering Group E game that now takes on even greater significance for the Germans.
If Japan manage to beat Costa Rica earlier in the day, then Germany's only option will be a win against Spain - any other result would condemn them to an early group stage exit for the second straight World Cup.
They come against a Spanish side who started the World Cup in impressive style with their 7-0 dismantling of an admittedly poor Costa Rica side, thanks to goals from Ferran Torres (2), Asensio, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Morata and Carlos Soler.
Gavi's goal was a joyous bonus, and, at just 18 years and 110 days, he became the youngest World Cup goalscorer since Pele in 1958.
Spain's display was tiki taka at its best, as they enjoyed 81% ball possession and managed more than 1000 completed passes to the Costa Ricans' 243, and although that domination produced only eight shots on target, seven of them found the back of the net in an imperious display of clinical finishing.
The World Cup did not begin so well for Germany, who could be eliminated if they lose to Spain, following their shock 2-1 defeat against Japan that came despite having taken an early lead from Ilkay Gundogan's spot kick.
Despite that loss, Hansi Flick's players have not suddenly become a poor team overnight, and they are sure to up their game to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
It is worth noting that Spain's emphatic opening win was helped by Costa Rica's apparent disinterest in making Spain work, and Germany are far less likely to offer that luxury of space and time on the ball.
