Spain coach Luis Enrique expecting "open game" against Germany
Spain look to continue their winning start to World Cup 2022 as they take on Germany in a critical Group E clash. Luis Enrique’s Spaniards have firm control of the group following their 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica in their opening match and have the chance to reach the last 16 this evening. Three points against the Germans will safely see them join France in the next round.
Germany, meanwhile, are staring down the barrel of an early exit. Their shock 2-1 loss to Japan last time out leaves Hansi Flick’s men with no margin for error as a second defeat would see them all but eliminated from the World Cup at the group stages for the second tournament in a row.
This clash of European heavyweights is too difficult to call ahead of kick off but both teams will be looking at their younger players to light up the game. Spain have the teenage duo of Pedri and Gavi partnering the experienced Sergio Busquets whilst Germany will count on 19-year-old Jamal Musiala to add an extra dimension to their wide play.
Another group stage exit would be disastrous for Germany and they take on Group E’s most difficult opponents knowing that three points will heavily boost their chances of reaching the last 16.
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GOAL! Croatia 3-1 Canada (Kramaric 70’)
Devastating for Canada, but what a finish this is! Kramaric adds his second and Canada as it stands are heading out of the World Cup. The striker brings down a crossfield pass, cuts inside Miller and fires a brilliant shot across goal and into the net off his left foot.
Croatia 2-1 Canada
68 mins: Ooof. Davies looked in but David wasn’t able to slide him through. Then, Kovacic dances through midfield but his slipped ball to Kramaric bobbles into Borjan’s grasp.
Croatia 2-1 Canada
66 mins: Canada might now be on top, you know. Kone has helped their balance in midfield and the change of system from John Herdman has helped Canada take more control.
Croatia 2-1 Canada
63 mins: ... but Davies takes aim at goal from a wide angle and hits the wall. Still, Canada are getting joy with Davies now in a more advanced position.
Croatia 2-1 Canada
62 mins: Davies turns Gvardiol on the edge of the box and the Croatia defender hauls him to the turf. Chance coming up for Canada to swing the ball into the box...
Croatia 2-1 Canada
60 mins: Change for Croatia: Petkovic replaces goalscorer Lavaja in a straight swap for Croatia.
Junior Hoilett is coming on for Canada.
Croatia 2-1 Canada
59 mins: Canada have come out stronger after steadying at the half-time interval. There’s certainly a lot more threat, but they will have to take more chances as the game goes on.
Croatia 2-1 Canada
58 mins: Let off for Canada! Borjan plays it straight out to Perisic, whose shot goes straight at the goalkeeper!
Croatia 2-1 Canada
55 mins: SAVE! And now a flying stop at the other end! David whips a dangerous shot from the edge of the box and Livakovic, unsure if it was dipping in or not, tips over the crossbar.
Croatia 2-1 Canada
53 mins: SAVE! How crucial could this be for Canada?! Croatia should be out of sight. It’s another slick move from Croatia, the midfield cutting through Canada. Modric cuts it back to Kramaric but his shot is palmed away by Borjan!
