Mueez Ajao
– Head coach Hansi Flick says Germany’s World Cup clash with Spain is a “first final” as they try to avoid another early exit at a major tournament.
– A group-stage elimination in 2018 was Germany’s for 80 years and they reached the last 16 at Euro 2020.
– After shock 2-1 defeat to Japan in their opening game, another loss to Spain could end Germany’s hopes of progressing in Qatar.
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– “The last two tournaments were not [good],” Flick said.
– He added: “We want to avoid a repeat of this. The focus is on concentration. This is the first final for us at the World Cup and that’s what it’s about – to avoid a repeat of that.”
– Spain come into the match aiming to book a place in the knockout stage after a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica in their opener.
– Head coach Luis Enrique, however, expects a tough game against the under-pressure Germans.
– “Without a doubt, they are the team that is most similar to Spain in terms of dominating the play and controlling it,” he said.
– “That is a beautiful challenge for us. I think it will be an open game.”
