World Cup 2022 Group E Preview

Spain are in good form, having won three, drawn two, and lost one of their six matches in their Nations League campaign. Indeed, they won three of the last four, including three clean sheets, the only blemish being a 2-1 reverse at home to Switzerland. In doing so, they have qualified for their second consecutive Nations League Finals next summer. They also have a friendly arranged away to Jordan six days before their opening match of the tournament to refine tactics and experiment with personnel. In the said first match, against Costa Rica, the Spaniards will be very confident, seeking to impose their possession brand of football against one of the two weaker sides in the group. If they win this, they will go into a massive match against European rivals Germany. Both sides have an abundance of quality players. Spain appear to have the edge given their recent form, but Germany remain dangerous. Should they attain a point against the Germans or even win, a final group match against Japan represents a real chance to either win the group or finish second. However, the Spaniards are perfectionists and will aim to come first.

As implied in the previous paragraph, Germany have looked vulnerable recently. One win, four draws, and one defeat in their Nations League campaign is far from satisfactory for a nation such as Germany and left them third in their group, four points ahead of the relegated England. They conceded nine goals in these six games and registered no clean sheets, which is a worry. However, they did score eleven, so their goalscoring is currently better than their ability to defend. They have a friendly away to Oman scheduled a week before their opening match. Despite their struggles, Germany will be firm favourites in the first match against Japan. However, they will have to be wary of Japan’s energy. Still, they will enter the match with Spain in great confidence if they win. Germany play a similar style to Spain, though they are a little more balanced and not quite as extreme in maintaining possession. Spain should have more of the ball in this match, but the Germans will have their fair share too. Germany will look to use the creative ability of their wing-backs and midfielders and pace in behind to trouble the Spanish defence on transitions. If they can obtain a point or even three, they will go into the final match against Costa Rica, knowing they are on the verge of qualifying. That is assuming they have beaten Japan. Again, they will be huge favourites, particularly if they have impressed in the first two matches and will look to win and qualify in the first position. As with the Spaniards, the Germans demand nothing less than perfection, so something has to give.

Japan arrive in Qatar, having won three and drawn two of their previous five matches. This run includes victories against Hong Kong and South Korea at the East Asian Football Federation E-1 Football Championship. There was also a win against the United States in the 2022 Kirin Cup. In addition, Japan played out a goalless draw in that competition against Ecuador, who are in good form. Japan not conceding a goal in five matches – some of which were against good opposition – is impressive. They have also arranged a pre-tournament friendly against fellow qualifiers Canada six days before their opening match. The Germans are massive favourites in that match despite their recent struggles. Japan will have to use their fitness levels to try to outrun Germany. Assuming they can pick up a point (which is a big if), they would then enter the Costa Rica match knowing that a win would give them a great chance of qualifying. Both sides know a win here is vital. If Japan go into the final match against Spain with three (or even four) points, they will still be in contention. They will hope to upset the Iberians, but it will be complicated as they are likely to be starved of the ball. They will have to play on the counter to try to steal a point or all three. Second place would represent a great success for Japan in this section.

Costa Rica enter the tournament in excellent form, having won three of their previous four matches, including the inter-confederation play-off against New Zealand. There were also victories against Martinique and Uzbekistan, the only fault being a 2-2 draw in South Korea in September. True, the opposition was not the most taxing, and there will be a severe jump in quality in this group, but it is good to be in the winning habit. They also have friendlies against Nigeria and Iraq arranged within two weeks of their first match. In that match against Spain, the Costa Ricans will be big underdogs. However, they will seek to play a low block and hit the Spanish on the counter on the rare occasion they are likely to have possession of the ball. If they can take a point, they will go into the second match against Japan, knowing that it represents their best chance of victory. The match is a must-win for either side if they hope to progress. Costa Rica must match the energy and tenacity of the Japanese, as well as try to create going forward. If they can win that match, they will go into the Germany match, likely still in contention, even if they have lost to Spain in the first match. If there is a decent time to play Germany at a tournament, now might be it.