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Published: 10:24, November 26, 2022 | Updated: 10:24, November 26, 2022
Germany look for great escape against Spain to avoid early exit
By Reuters
Published:10:24, November 26, 2022 Updated:10:24, November 26, 2022 By Reuters

Germany's Serge Gnabry, center, leads the field during a training session at the Al-Shamal stadium on the eve of the group E World Cup soccer match between Germany and Spain, in Al-Ruwais, Qatar, Nov 25, 2022. (MATTHIAS SCHRADER / AP)

AL RAYYAN - Germany are facing a second consecutive World Cup first-round exit when they take on Spain on Sunday with coach Hansi Flick working overtime to pick his players up off the floor after their shock 2-1 loss to Japan in their Group E opener.

The four-time champions suffered their earliest tournament exist in more than 80 years in 2018 when they crashed out in the first round and now face a similar scenario in Qatar.

Holding a 1-0 lead after a dominant first half, Germany crumbled after the break, allowing Japan to score twice late in the game due to a string of individual mistakes, including from central defender Niklas Suele for the second goal

Holding a 1-0 lead after a dominant first half, Germany crumbled after the break, allowing Japan to score twice late in the game due to a string of individual mistakes, including from central defender Niklas Suele for the second goal.

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While most of the discussion prior to their first game had focused on whether Flick would deploy a natural centre forward like Niclas Fuellkrug from the start, Germany's backline has long been a cause for concern and recent results highlight the need for immediate improvement.

They have conceded six goals in their last four internationals but now have to find a way to shut out Spain, who fired seven past Costa Rica in their group opener.

After years of being expected to deliver titles, Spain have entered the tournament with a lighter load on their shoulders under coach Luis Enrique and have already set records.

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Barcelona's 18-year-old Gavi became the country's youngest World Cup player, and the youngest to score since Brazil great Pele in 1958 after netting in their 7-0 win over Costa Rica.

They were not among a small group of pre-tournament favourites that included Brazil, Argentina and France among others, but their win over Costa Rica will have whet their appetite for more.

As for the line-up, Luis Enrique has promised changes.

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"I don't know who is going to play, but surely we won't repeat the lineup," he said. "We will not play seven games with 11. I'm sure I'll change."


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