Germany to edge Japan in opening World Cup Group E fixture
Germany vs Japan - 23/11/2022
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Germany failed to qualify for the last 16 four years ago at the FIFA World Cup, as they finished last in their group with just three points from three games.
On Wednesday, Hansi Flick will lead Germany into their first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup versus Japan in Group E. If there is a group of death at the World Cup, it may very well be Group E. Spain and Costa Rica are the other two teams in the group and they will also play on Wednesday.
Japan go into the tournament following a 2-1 loss to Canada in a pre-World Cup friendly. The match, which was played on November 17, saw Japan take an early lead through Yuki Soma.
However, Canada levelled the score minutes and found a winner deep into stoppage time.
One of the most notable aspects of the World Cup tournament is the amount of stoppage time being deployed in both halves. Don’t be surprised if either team finds a goal late in either half.
The World Cup has seen goals after four matches. The World Cup is averaging 3.5 goals per game after four matches.
Germany are ranked 11th despite having a good 2022 under Flick. Germany are unbeaten in eight of their nine games this year, but five of their matches ended as draws. Four of those draws were 1-1 stalemates.
Die Mannschaft have never lost to Japan in international football. Germany have two wins and two draws in four games, however, the teams have not played a competitive match since 2006.
Thomas Muller’s fitness will be a worry for Flick. The Bayern Munich forward is not fully fit and sat out Germany’s 1-0 friendly win against Oman last week. Flick will likely use a 4-2-3-1 formation with two midfielders to protect the back four.
Germany’s biggest issue is a lack of a proper No 9. This could make Muller’s role even more important. He has 10 career World Cup goals. Niclas Fullkrug could get plenty of minutes for Germany after scoring the winner versus Oman last week.
Japan used a defensive 4-3-3 formation against Canada in their 2-1 loss a week ago. Former Liverpool player Takumi Minamino was deployed as a No 10 behind striker Takuma Asano.
Former Real Madrid man Takefusa Kubo should play on the wing, and Soma should take up the other side.
Germany have never lost to Japan. Die Mannschaft should pick up a win once again versus Japan. It should be a closely matched fixture between the two sides, with a one-goal margin of victory for Germany. The match should end 2-1 for Germany at full-time.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
WC
373132
1
2 - 1
2.73
27°
1.50
1.50
4.20
7.00
no
no
no
1 - 2(1 - 0)
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