Over the past two decades, Spain and Germany have met twice in major tournaments: the 2010 World Cup semi final and Euro 2008 final. On both of those high-pressure occasions, Spain triumphed via 1-0 victories. On Sunday, such a result could see Germany exit the World Cup at the group-stages for the second successive tournament.
Whereas the goals from Carles Puyol and Fernando Torres 12 and 14 years ago respectively were terminal for Germany, a concession and consequent defeat at Al Bayt stadium in Doha will only send Hansi Flick’s side home with a group game to spare should Japan defeat Costa Rica earlier in the day.
Permutations persist but what is clear is that Germany must up their game following their 2-1 loss to Japan on Wednesday in which they held a 1-0 lead following a dominant first half but crumbled after the break.
Four years ago Germany suffered their earliest tournament exit in eight decades when they crashed out at the 2018 World Cup in Russia finishing bottom of their group. They were also eliminated by England in the last 16 at last summer’s European Championship.
Therefore, the prospect of falling well short of even modest expectations back home is real and Flick appreciates the need for his side to perform under pressure.
“The last two tournaments were not [good],” said Flick, who took over from Joachim Low after Euro 2020. “We want to avoid a repeat of this. The focus is on concentration. This is the first final for us at the World Cup and that’s what it's about — to avoid a repeat of that.”
Flick is waiting for the last training session to see if Leroy Sane will be fit to feature. But changes to the lineup may come irrespective of fitness as the manager seeks a much-improved performance and 100 per cent focus.
“I think there were some situations where we made a lot of mistakes, where we got [things] wrong,” Flick said of the Japan defeat. “Clearly, I tried to articulate it, and tried to explain that to the team, because it’s important for them to understand and then to implement, and to make them sure that they can do what they’ve been told.
“We talked about the match. We’re really convinced about our philosophy, how we want to play football. And, of course, we’re going to try to do better tomorrow.”
Spain flying high after impressive opener
Their challenge is made even more difficult given the high confidence of their opponents. Spain not only have the upper-hand over Germany in major competitions in recent years but they are in far superior form.
Spain come into this contest on the back of netting the most goals they have ever managed in a World Cup match, a 7-0 whipping of Costa Rica. Luis Enrique, the Spain manager, admitted even he was surprised by his team’s opening-game performance but alerted his players not to feel over-confident ahead of meeting Germany.
“It was a resounding victory that fills us with confidence, but we shouldn’t have too much confidence,” he said. “We are facing an opponent, Germany, against which we cannot be overconfident otherwise they will hammer us.
“We have a very smart squad, smart enough to know that we have to respect our opponent, and we will have to give it our all. It’s a great challenge. Will Germany be more dangerous because they need the win more? You never know in football.”
The only group-stage game between two former world champions will likely see a battle in midfield. The Barcelona trio of Sergio Busquets and the two teenagers, Pedri and Gavi, functioned superbly against Costa Rica earlier in the week but will be tested more by Joshua Kimmich and most likely one of Ilkay Gundogan and Leon Goretzka.
Spain won’t expect the same amount of possession as they managed in their opener (85 per cent) when they come up against a wounded German side. “You might find it interesting, but I do so much better when I’m managing problems, and that sounds stupid,” Enrique explained.
“I feel more at ease when I’m in the face of adversity, when I have to lift the mood of my players, to bring everything you’ve got inside, to make the most of my roots, my origins.
“As a coach I have very successful moments, but when I perform at my best is when I’m in the face of adversity and hardship.” No doubt a quality that Flick will hope to emulate on Sunday.
