European giants Germany and Spain will go head-to-head in the Group E of the 2022 World Cup in what promises to be one of the most entertaining draws throughout the whole tournament.
Germany, who were crowned world champions in 2014, will look to avenge their shock group stage exit in Russia four years ago, although being drawn alongside Spain has made that task much tougher. And that is without taking into consideration their other two opponents, with tournament regulars Japan and 2014 quarter-finalists Costa Rica looking to upset the odds.
Mirror Football tells you all you need to know about Group E’s participants, including how they qualified, the ones to watch for each side and when the fixtures take place.
Spain
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World Cup appearances - 15
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FIFA world ranking - 7
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Head coach - Luis Enrique
2010 World Cup champions Spain will be aiming for third time lucky to get their hands on the famous trophy once more since lifting it 12 years ago, having crashed out in the group stage in 2014 and then the last 16 in 2018.
However, there have been signs that La Roja are slowly getting back to their best, having reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and finishing as runners-up at the Nations League finals last year. Six wins from eight games in qualifying saw them top their group to secure their place in Qatar, while they also earned a place in the 2023 Nations League finals.
Spain might not be the team it once was, but experienced individuals such as Dani Carvajal, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are complemented by the likes of Barcelona ’s trio of youngsters Ferran Torres, Pedri and Gavi, leaving them with enough quality to challenge Germany for top spot in Group E.
Who is your favourite to win Group E? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Costa Rica
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World Cup appearances - 5
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FIFA world ranking - 31
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Head coach - Luis Fernando Suarez
Costa Rica have been given a tough task of making it out of Group E but after finishing above Uruguay, Italy and England in 2014 to produce a fairy tale run to the quarter-finals, they’ve already proved that anything is possible.
They did crash out of the group stage in Russia four years ago, but quickly followed that up with two quarter-final finishes at the 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup’s. After missing out on automatic qualification to the 2022 World Cup on goal difference, Costa Rica then saw off New Zealand 1-0 in an inter-confederation play-off to book their place in Qatar.
There won’t be too many household names for Los Ticos, but Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas and former Fulham midfielder Bryan Ruiz are the pick of the bunch. Former Arsenal forward Joel Campbell is involved, as is former Everton defender Bryan Oviedo.
Germany
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World Cup appearances - 19
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FIFA world ranking - 11
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Head coach - Hansi Flick
Things can only get better for Germany following their horrendous 2018 World Cup campaign in which they finished bottom of their group behind Sweden, Mexico and South Korea, having been crowned champions in Brazil just four years earlier.
Die Mannschaft’s group is even harder on paper this time around, however, so improvement will be needed. A last 16 exit at Euro 2020 last summer and just two victories in eight games this year is uninspiring to say the least, although they did at least top their qualifying group with nine wins from 10 games to book their place in Qatar 12 months ago.
As expected, Germany’s squad is packed full of talent. Veteran duo Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller will provide the experience, while Bayern Munich teammates Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane are the pick of the bunch in midfield and attack.
Ja pan
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World Cup appearances - 6
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FIFA world ranking - 24
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Head coach - Hajime Moriyasu
If history is anything to go by, Japan will be set for a group stage exit in Qatar, having done so in every other tournament since their first in 1998. But despite being drawn in the same group as Spain and Germany, they will still be targeting a place in the last 16.
After losing 3-2 to Belgium in the last 16 four years ago, the Samurai Blue then finished as runners-up at the 2019 Asian Cup, although there was a group stage exit at the Copa America later that year. Nonetheless, progression to this year’s tournament was secured comfortably, following seven wins from 10 games in the final stage of Asian qualifying.
Japan have had a number of talented players over the years and that will be no different in 2022. Former Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu and Brighton midfielder Kaoru Mitoma are notable inclusions, while former Real Madrid winger Takefusa Kubo is one to watch.
Group E fixtures
Germany vs Japan - Wednesday, November 23 (1pm)
Spain vs Costa Rica - Wednesday, November 23 (4pm)
Japan vs Costa Rica - Sunday, November 27 (10am)
Spain vs Germany - Sunday, November 27 (7pm)
Japan vs Spain - Thursday, December 1 (7pm)
Costa Rica vs Germany - Thursday, December 1 (7pm)
