World Cup 2022 Group E: classy Spain and improving Germany can both ease through

The first November-December edition of the tournament is just around the corner, and Group E World Cup is one that everyone will be playing close attention to as it features European giants Spain and Germany. Here’s how we see this group playing out.

Which teams are in Group E at the World Cup?

Spain, Costa Rica, Germany and Japan make up Group E. Spain and Germany are two former winners and it would be a surprise if either side misses out on the last 16. Japan could spring a surprise if either of the European heavyweights loses focus, though.

Group E World Cup fixtures

23 November, 1pm: Germany vs Japan (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

23 November, 4pm: Spain vs Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

27 November, 10am: Japan vs Costa Rica (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

27 November, 7pm: Spain vs Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

1 December, 7pm: Japan vs Spain (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

1 December, 7pm: Costa Rica vs Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Spain: FIFA Ranking, Squad, Fixtures

The Spain FIFA ranking of seventh arguably undersells their all-round quality. After a slow start to Euro 2020, they were a little unfortunate to lose to Italy in the semi-finals. Spain can pass any opponent to death and as far as technical quality goes, there are few teams better.

However, although the victorious Spain World Cup team of 2010 was one of the best of all time, La Roja flopped at Brazil 2014 and in Russia four years ago. They will still arrive in Qatar as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, but it will be interesting to see how they respond to any adversity that emerges.

The main footballing doubt is whether they can turn possession into goals. Spain have had trouble putting the ball in the back of the net in recent times, and that might be what stops them going all the way in Qatar.

Spain’s World Cup 2022 Fixtures

23 November, 4pm: Spain vs Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

27 November, 7pm: Spain vs Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

1 December, 7pm: Japan vs Spain (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Costa Rica: FIFA Ranking, Squad, Fixtures

The Costa Rica FIFA ranking of 31st places them between Nigeria and Egypt, two nations who did not make it to Qatar.

The idea of a regular Costa Rica World Cup team would have seemed utopian 30 years ago, but the Central Americans have now missed only one of the last six editions of the tournament.

They even reached the quarter-finals of Brazil 2014, where they narrowly lost to the Netherlands on penalties. The following year the Costa Rica FIFA ranking peaked at 13th, a remarkable achievement for a nation of their size.

The problem is that the squad has not really been refreshed since then, with the likes of Keylor Navas (35), Celso Borges (34), Bryan Ruiz (36) and Bryan Oviedo (32) still prominent players. A tough group stage draw means los Ticos will probably be heading home early.

Costa Rica’s World Cup 2022 Fixtures

23 November, 4pm: Spain vs Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

27 November, 10am: Japan vs Costa Rica (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

1 December, 7pm: Costa Rica vs Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Germany have improved enormously under Hansi Flick since their disappointing showing in Euro 2020 when they were eliminated in the last 16 by England

Germany: FIFA Ranking, Squad, Fixtures

The Germany FIFA ranking of 12th is lower than the four-time world champions are used to, but they might actually benefit from flying slightly under the radar in Qatar.

The Germany World Cup team of 2018 fell victim to the holders’ curse, joining former reigning champions France (2002), Italy (2010) and Spain (2014) in suffering elimination in the group phase.

Hansi Flick has got die Mannschaft back on track since Joachim Low was finally relieved of his duties after last summer’s European Championship.

Flick has brought the average age of the squad down – only three outfield members of their most recent squad were over 30 – and victory over Japan on matchday one would leave them in a strong position to advance.

Germany’s World Cup 2022 Fixtures

23 November, 1pm: Germany vs Japan (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

27 November, 7pm: Spain vs Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

1 December, 7pm: Costa Rica vs Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Japan: FIFA Ranking, Squad, Fixtures

The Japan FIFA ranking of 23 is second only to Iran in Asia. This is a side which plays attractive, possession-based football, and they should not be written off despite being drawn alongside Germany and Spain.

Japan are part of the World Cup furniture these days. The Samurai Blue came so close to reaching the last eight in Russia four years ago, only to throw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium in the round of 16.

This Japan World Cup team is capable of causing a surprise or two if either Spain or Germany are not at their best in Group E. They qualified for the tournament with a minimum of fuss, conceding only four goals in 12 games. Japan also pushed Brazil close in a recent friendly, narrowly losing 1-0.

Japan’s World Cup 2022 Fixtures

23 November, 1pm: Germany vs Japan (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

27 November, 10am: Japan vs Costa Rica (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

1 December, 7pm: Japan vs Spain (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Verdict

Spain and Germany are rightfully the strong favourites to advance, but Japan are a good team and could push at least one of the European giants close. Costa Rica, alas, will struggle to win any of their matches.