Group E Preview - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Germany or Spain to rule?

Wednesday, November 23rd

16:00 Germany v Japan - Khalifa International Stadium

19:00 Spain v Costa Rica/New Zealand - Al Thumama Stadium

Sunday, November 27th

13:00 Japan v Costa Rica/New Zealand - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

22:00 Spain v Germany - Al Bayt Stadium

Thursday, December 1st

22:00 Costa Rica/New Zealand v Germany - Al Bayt Stadium

22:00 Japan v Spain - Khalifa International Stadium

With 200 days to go until the World Cup begins Germany head to Qatar without that aura of invincibility. They were eliminated four years ago in Russia in the group stages and suffered an early exit from Euro 2020 after losing out to England. That defeat ended Joachim Low's 15 years in charge. New manager Hansi Flick replaced him in August 2021. The former Bayern Munich manager won the treble with the German giants in 2020, including the Champions League Final, which was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He's still yet to taste defeat with the national team, and German sports journalist Jonas Gerdes is optimistic about the future of German football.

"We're coming now to, let's say, the better face of the German national team. I would say what's different - with Hansi Flick - is the communication. He communicates differently. He communicates to the team in a different way and to the media, the audience, and the fans in a different way. So, there is a bit more emotion and more enthusiasm in this new national team constructed by Hansi Flick now." Jonas told Football Now

Could a new coach give new life to the team and lead Germany to victory at the World Cup for the second time in three tournaments?

"It depends on the team's emotions and whether they can build a real team because this time, they won't be together for two, three, or four weeks before