Germany’s fate in Spanish hands

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Germany are sitting at the bottom of Group E after slumping to a shock defeat against an unpredictable Japanese side and settling for a draw against a dominant Spanish outfit.

Werder Bremen striker Niclas Fullkrug rescued a point for Hansi Flick’s side after a thunderous shot from inside the box blasted past Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon in the 83rd minute.  This was only the second goal the Germans have scored in the competition thus far, despite having more than 30 shots at goal. 

A solution to their lack of goals may be Leroy Sane who looks set to return to the starting lineup against Costa Rica.  The Bayern Munich winger has been one of the biggest threats in Europe over the past 5 years going back to his time at Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.  Characterized by his pace and direct style of play, Sane may be the perfect solution upfront for a group lacking a clinical edge.

A result against Costa Rica is necessary but does not confirm progression into the knockout stages.  Japan will have to lose against top-of-the-group Spain to fail to qualify for the round of 16.  Costa Rica may be dark horses but a win against the Germans will guarantee them a second-place spot in this fiercely contested group. 

 Hansi Flick’s German side is in grave danger of back-to-back world cup group stage eliminations, but 3 points against Costa Rica will go a long way in the race for knockout qualification.

Photo: Twitter/@MunichFanpage

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Dylan Johnson