Spain vs Germany predictions: Flick's men can keep hopes alive

- Germany outshot Japan 25-10 in that shock opening defeat
- Spain did not face a single shot at their goal against Costa Rica 
- Recommended bet: Germany - Draw No Bet

Germany have their backs against the wall after a shock 2-1 loss to Japan and need a big response against Spain if they want to continue their journey in the tournament.

Spain opened up with a stunning 7-0 success over Costa Rica but they will expect a much tougher test against Germany as they strive to secure knockout-stage qualification with a game to spare.

Team news

No Spanish injuries were sustained against Costa Rica and Alvaro Morata made a goalscoring contribution off the bench despite having suffered from a bout of flu in the build up to the tournament.

Dani Carvajal was also suffering from illness prior to the Costa Rica contest and was an unused substitute.

Germany head coach Hansi Flick is hoping to add Leroy Sane to his options after he missed the Japan fixture with a knee problem.

Ilkay Gundogan and Thomas Muller were withdrawn while the Germans led 1-0 against Japan and both can expect to remain in the starting line up.

The stats

Spain's victory over Costa Rica was the first time they took maximum points from a World Cup opener since a 4-0 success over Ukraine at Germany 2006.

They have won nine of their last 12 fixtures and have scored in 22 consecutive internationals since a goalless draw at home to Sweden at the start of Euro 2020.

Germany's loss to Japan was only their second defeat in 17 matches since they were beaten 2-0 by England at Euro 2020.

It was their second successive setback in a World Cup opener, following on from their 1-0 reverse against Mexico at Russia 2018.

Prediction

Germany were left stunned by their 2-1 loss to Japan but they can revive their World Cup hopes by defeating Spain in Al Khor.

When the World Cup draw was made, the clash between Germany and Spain stood out as the most eagerly anticipated of the group stage.

And the importance of the game has only increased after what happened to the Germans on Wednesday.

They played some attractive, incisive football against the Japanese and should have been out of sight long before Ritsu Doan's 75th-minute equaliser, which set up a grandstand finish.

In their desperation to find a winner they left themselves open and were heavily punished by Takuma Asano's winning goal, which was extremely well taken.

Germany find themselves in a tight spot but they have the quality to get themselves out of it.

Spain were in cruise control against Costa Rica, who failed to register a shot, but it would be premature to have them marked down as one of the main contenders.

The Iberians had a few issues during qualifying — drawing 1-1 at home to Greece and losing 2-1 away to Sweden — and they have a bit to prove on the biggest stage after a group-stage exit in 2014 and a round-of-16 elimination in 2018.

Spain have improved over the last four years and enjoyed a run to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, but they are up against a top-class attack and may struggle to take any points.

Germany's need is clearly greater so take the chance on Hansi Flick's men to bounce back with the safety net of the draw being taken out, which is available at evens with LiveScore Bet.

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