Group E contains two genuine powerhouses of international football, with Germany and Spain joining Japan and Costa Rica. The European heavyweights will be looking to lay down a marker in Qatar after flattering to deceive four years ago. Check out our Group E preview to find out more.
🏆 @SEFutbol were on top of the world in 2010🇪🇸 Can they add another trophy at #Qatar2022? pic.twitter.com/6TKPPvqeWX— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 15, 2022
🏆 @SEFutbol were on top of the world in 2010🇪🇸 Can they add another trophy at #Qatar2022? pic.twitter.com/6TKPPvqeWX
Spain suffered a solitary defeat in six games on their way to winning their Nations League earlier this year. While many of Europe’s top teams were struggling for form, La Roja cemented their status as one of the World Cup favourites.
Luis Enrique has a ton of exciting young talents at his disposal, such as Gavi, Pedri and Ansu Fati. With experienced players like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also on board, the 2010 World Cup winners could go far.
Only Brazil have lifted the World Cup trophy on more occasions than Germany. However, after winning their fourth title in 2014, the Germans failed to progress from the group stage four years ago.
Joachim Low enjoyed plenty of success between 2006 and 2021, but Hansi Flick will lead Germany into this year’s World Cup. With seven Bayern Munich players in the squad, including the in-form Jamal Musiala, Germany are expected to challenge for the silverware.
It’s fair to say that Japan have enjoyed an impressive year, losing just two of their 13 games in all competitions. Before the World Cup, Hajime Moriyasu’s side have a warm-up friendly against Canada to prepare for the tournament.
The Samurai Blue featured at six consecutive World Cups between 1998 and 2018, reaching the knockout phase three times during that period. That said, progressing from the group stage won’t be easy this time around.
Although Costa Rica are the lowest-rank side in Group E, they still find themselves at #31 in the FIFA World Rankings. Let's not forget that Los Ticos made it all the way to the quarter-finals back in 2014.
Veteran captain Bryan Ruiz could earn his 150th cap if Costa Rica reach the knockout phase. PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas and ex-Arsenal forward Joel Campbell will likely be key to their team’s chances of advancing.
Forebet predicts that Germany and Spain will progress from Group E, eliminating Costa Rica and Japan from the tournament. The battle for top spot is destined to be close, but Germany’s experience should help them edge out Spain.