CNN
–
After a poor start to its World Cup campaign, Germany is now staring down the barrel of elimination in its final Group E game at Qatar 2022.
Their shock defeat to Japan on the opening day put the Germans in a difficult position, but they rallied in their second game against Spain to earn a hard-fought draw.
It means the 2014 world champions, who sit bottom of the group on one point, now need to beat Costa Rica on Thursday and hope Spain beat Japan in order to progress into the knockout stages of the competition.
A draw in the group’s other game could be enough for Germany, but its fate will depend on goal difference.
Speaking after the vital draw against Spain, Germany manager Hansi Flick said he hoped his team would gather some confidence for the crunch game at the Al Bayt Stadium after a more positive performance against Spain.
“Maybe this is the spark we need,” Flick said. “The team fought hard and I am very satisfied with their mentality. These are the things we want and we know we have taken the first step.
“We will have the conditions against Costa Rica to reach the knockout phase.”
Group leaders Spain, meanwhile, need just a point against Japan to ensure progression into the round of 16 – they can even afford to lose the match depending on what happens in Germany’s game with Costa Rica.
Spain coach Luis Enrique is determined for his side to enjoy their experience in Qatar and has defended his streaming sessions online in which he talks to fans.
“The only goal I set for my players … before this training camp 16 days ago, I told them we need to have fun, fun,” he told reporters.
“We need to enjoy this because you have to have joy in your work.”
It’s a philosophy that seems to work; With Spain’s young side producing impressive displays on the world stage.
For Japan, who stunned Germany in its first game, it now needs to produce another surprise by beating Spain after losing to Costa Rica in its last match.
“Tomorrow will be a high-pressure game for all players but we have to believe in ourselves,” Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu told reporters on Wednesday.
“They have to believe in themselves, they have to. They have to believe in their teammates in order to fight against our opponent. Hopefully, they will be at their best and the result will follow.”
Meanwhile, for three teams in Group F, it’s all to play for on Thursday.
Belgium, Croatia and Morocco can all still qualify for the knockout rounds in what promises to be a fascinating round of matches.
Belgium and Croatia will play each other, while Morocco faces Canada – who are already out of the tournament.
Many Moroccans will still be recovering from an emotional victory over Belgium on Sunday, in what was the country’s first World Cup win since 1998 – and its third ever.
“If we get through to the knockout stage, I think we will be very dangerous going forward,” Moroccan manager Walid Regragui told reporters earlier this week.
Anything other than a place in the round of 16 will be a big disappointment for both Belgium and Croatia.
The latter were the beaten finalists in 2018 and only need a draw against Belgium to ensure progression through the group.
But coach Zlatko Dalic says he wants to entertain playing for anything but a win.
“We must not accept the option of having only one point to finish the match with Belgium,” he told reporters.
“There are no easy games. Belgium need a win but we will also aim to win.
Belgium, meanwhile, has struggled to find its feet in the tournament so far.
It was largely outplayed despite beating Canada in its opening game and suffered a confidence-shattering defeat to Morocco last time out.
However, coach Roberto Martinez says his team will be ready for the showdown and hopes his star players, such as Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, can turn their fortunes around.
“We must now stay together and become stronger. I know this group, we will be ready for Croatia,” he told reporters.
“We still weren’t the best Belgium in the World Cup.”
Croatia vs. Belgium: 10:00 a.m. ET
Canada vs. Morocco: 10:00 a.m. ET
Japan vs. Spain: 2:00 p.m. ET
Costa Rica vs. Germany: 2:00 p.m. ET
US: Fox Sports
UK: BBC or ITV
Australia: SBS
Brazil: SportTV
Germany: ARD, ZDF, Deutsche Telekom
Canada: Bell Media
South Africa: SABC
