Manuel Neuer and Germany will have to be firing on all cylinders as they look to get the better of Dani Olmo's Spain in a decisive World Cup clash in Group E on Sunday (kick-off: 8pm CET).


Germany go into this blockbuster meeting with their backs up against the wall. Having lost 2-1 to a Bundesliga-inspired Japan on Wednesday – despite having more possession and over twice as many shots on goal – they need to beat Spain to keep their World Cup fate in their own hands. Hansi Flick could be tempted to make some defensive changes, especially if he switches to a four-man backline. In that case, Thilo Kehrer – the player who has won the most caps since Flick took over from Joachim Löw – would likely come in for Borussia Dortmund's Niklas Süle, with Lukas Klostermann - who plays his club football alongside Olmo at RB Leipzig - another option at right-back. Midweek goalscorer Ilkay Gündogan and Joshua Kimmich are set to start again in midfield, although Leon Goretzka is a proven alternative. Thomas Müller made his first appearance since 26 October against Japan, having been sidelined by a hip injury, but such is the 33-year-old's influence that he may also get the nod against Spain. Teenaged Bayern Munich teammate Jamal Musiala showed real spark and should retain his place in attacking midfield, while in-form Werder Bremen talisman Niclas Füllkrug – more of a natural striker than Kai Havertz – could be the man to lead the line.

Spain had much the better of the opening round of fixtures, putting seven goals past a hapless Costa Rica to claim their biggest-ever win at this tournament. Leipzig star Olmo lit the blue touch paper for La Roja, showing brilliant control to spin away from Oscar Duarte and clip in their opener on 11 minutes. The floodgates opened and the 24-year-old was still plugging away in the final minutes, playing a delicate one-two for Alvaro Morata to fire home Spain's final goal in a 7-0 rout. Luis Enrique's men are now preparing for a much sterner test, though, against the four-time world champions. The former Barcelona midfielder and coach – who played against Germany in a 1-1 draw at the 1994 World Cup – will be tempted to keep faith with the same line-up, notwithstanding any injury-enforced changes. Olmo will provide attacking menace on the left of a 4-3-3 alongside Morata and Ferran Torres, who were both among the goals against Costa Rica, with the Barca trio of Pedri, Gavi and Sergio Busquets expected to marshal the midfield

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6gKIKdbtRM

SUBSCRIBE TO HOTBALLERZ TV ON YOUTUBE

Spain for the win. Germany is going home

.

Do or Die match for Germany.
Going for a draw.

Germany is going home today. Mumu team

WibusJaga:
.

Do or Die match for Germany.
Going for a draw.

I want Spain to win. Germany is not serious

Full time draw

Costa Rica has thrown the group wide open

Tonytonex:
I want Spain to win. Germany is not serious

Bones will be broken.

iwaeda:


Bones will be broken.

Or let them draw. But not goalless. So that the last game will be tough.

This should be at the front page now.

not until the time of the match.

Belgium luuuu leeee.

Tonytonex:
Or let them draw. But not goalless. So that the last game will be tough.

Baba Ijebu

iwaeda:

Baba Ijebu

germany are out. Very unserious team

Tonytonex:
Or let them draw. But not goalless. So that the last game will be tough.

It has happened as I said