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Germany urgently needs to deliver in the Kracher duel against Spain. In the studio: René Weiler, Mladen Petric and Peter Knäbel.
Legend:
Do they have to keep shaking?
The German fans in Qatar.
Keystone/EPA/Rolex Dela Pena
With Germany, one of the absolute tournament favorites in Group E, is already under a lot of pressure before the second game at the World Cup in Qatar. Ironically, Spain, which ran hot at its opening gala, stands in the way of the 2014 world champion. In Group F, Croatia must deliver, while Belgium can already clear the knockout phase.
11:00am: Japan-Costa Rica (Group E)
- Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
- 10:30 a.m. on SRF two
In the historic 2-1 win over Germany, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu switched to a five-man defense at half-time with a 1-0 deficit – a measure that ultimately turned the game around. The tactical variability should also be the big advantage of the four-time Asian champions against outsiders Costa Rica on Sunday. “We are difficult for our opponents to understand,” said left-back Yuto Nagatomo. Another win could lead the “Blue Samurai” early into the knockout stages. Meanwhile, the Central Americans want to somehow recover from the initial disgrace against Spain (0:7).
Matchday 1 in Group E
14:00 Belgium-Morocco (Group F)
- Al Thumama Stadium, Doha
- 1:30 p.m. on SRF two
Belgium played less convincingly in the first game against Canada, 3 points and thus the lead in group F still looked out. For the “eternal secret favourites” a sovereign victory against outsiders Morocco should now follow the crowned one. Motivation should give the “red devils” the possible early qualification for the round of 16. For Morocco, the tired 0-0 draw against Croatia can be seen as a success. Before their second World Cup appearance, the North Africans have to worry about Bayern defender Noussair Mazraoui, who had to be replaced injured against the Croatians.
The 1st matchday in group F
17:00 Croatia v Canada (Group F)
- Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
- 4:30 p.m. on SRF two
The Canadians started furiously in what was only their second World Cup tournament and at times played the big favorites Belgium against the wall. The effort should not be rewarded in terms of points, but the World Cup euphoria has definitely kindled in the “maple leaves”. If they get their poor chance evaluation under control, a lot is possible. Especially since Croatia were pretty unimaginative at the start. However, the finalist from 2018 is required to have only 1 point on the account. Leader Luka Modric had a good start against Morocco: if he finds the kick, Croatia will turn up the heat too.
8pm: Spain v Germany (Group E)
- Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
- 7:30 p.m. on SRF two
The omens in the giant duel on the 2nd match day could not be more different. Since the battered Germans, who had to take a lot of malice at home after the bankruptcy against Japan. And there the furious Spaniards, who shot themselves into the history books at the start. For Germany, if they lose, the tournament – like in 2018 – could already be over after the group phase. An internal team discussion initiated by coach Hansi Flick is said to have smoothed things over with the Germans.