FIFA World Cup 2022 Live Updates: Japan 0-0 Costa Rica, in the second half
Spain vs Germany: Clash of contrasts promises to be the match of the group stage
When the draw for the FIFA World Cup was confirmed in April, even a football novice could put his finger on the fact that this match would be the match of the group stage.
Add what is written on the field. Coach Hansi Flick described the match as Germany’s “first final” at this tournament, knowing that another defeat, following their shock 1-2 loss to Japan on Wednesday, would more or less guarantee their elimination in the group stage for a second consecutive World Cup for very first time. One way or another, this promises to be an unmissable spectacle of football drama. (Read more)
Germany stood up for what matters; now to regain that winning mentality to once again stand tall
Players from Germany pose for the team photo while covering their mouths during the World Cup Group E match between Germany and Japan, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. (AP)
A group exit in the 2018 World Cup; a round of sixteen in the EC; and another group stage exit looms in Qatar, if they lose to Spain on Sunday night. The perennial tournament team, four-time World Cup winners, three-time European champions – they’ve even coined a word for it in Germany, turniermannschaft or the (big) tournament team, and with good reason – have now shed their most enduring identity. In the past, less gifted, less skilled German teams, with small odds for a longer run, have participated in the World Cup, but gnawed and rubbed and trampled their way to glory.
Oh the familiar German mentality. Thomas Muller had once said: “The decisive factor is that we don’t just have class, we have a mentality, these players know how to win, they have proven it. We are not just anyone.” (Read more)
Hansi Flick breaks FIFA rules by handling press duties alone
Germany’s coach Hansi Flick during the press conference. (Reuters)
Germany manager Hansi Flick defied FIFA rules when he sat alone at the press conference ahead of their crucial Group E clash against Spain on Sunday. FIFA rules suggest that a player, along with the manager, must attend a press conference the day before a match, but Flick told his players to focus on training.
As all media briefings must be at FIFA’s main media center in Doha, the German coach had to travel over 200km from the Al Shamal training base for the pre-match press conference. (Read more)
