Today is Germany's chance to bounce back to the World Cup. But they face a dangerous Spain.
If Germany loses today, they're out. Germany lost to Japan in a shocking 2-1 defeat. But things could not have gone any better for 2010 champions Spain, who demolished Costa Rica 7-0 to record their biggest World Cup victory.
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Line-ups:
Starting Spain XI: Simon; Carvajal, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Busquets, Gavi, Pedri; Asensio, Olmo, Torres
Starting Germany XI: Neuer; Sule, Rudiger, Kehrer, Raum; Kimmich, Goretzka, Gundogan; Musiala, Muller. Gnabry
History:
- The last time the teams met, a year ago in the Nations League, Spain won 6-0.
- Germany and Spain will face off for the fifth time in World Cup history.
- Germany haven't beaten the Spanish at a tournament since 1988.
- In 2008, they succumbed to Spain in Euros, and then in semi-finals in the World Cup 2010.
Pre-match talks:
Germany's Manager Hansi Flick handled press alone today. "If we are not on 100% then we give the opponent space. We did it against Japan. Such a defeat and how it came about is very bitter because it was avoidable," he said. "We have courage and belief going into the game," he added.
