Armel Bella-Kotchap, one among two Southampton stars heading to Qatar, hopes to be a part of Germany’s bid for a record-equalling fifth World Cup win.

How did they price?

Germany topped their group with out difficulty, profitable 9 of their ten qualifiers and scoring 36 targets within the course of, conceding simply 4.

The one setback was a shock loss at dwelling to Macedonia underneath former coach Joachim Löw, who remained accountable for the Euros final summer time.

However Germany underperformed for the second match in a row, following their exit from the 2018 World Cup group stage to go to England within the spherical of 16.

Since then, former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick has reworked Die Mannschaft in a potent attacking aspect, shedding simply one among their 16 video games in cost thus far and averaging three targets per sport.

Equipment

wednesday november 23
Germany vs Japan
Khalifa Worldwide Stadium, Al Rayyan
ITV, 13:00 GMT

sunday november 27
Spain vs Germany
Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
BBC, 19:00 GMT

thursday december 1
Costa Rica vs Germany
Khalifa Worldwide Stadium, Al Rayyan
ITV, 19:00 GMT

Will Bella-Kotchap play?

Plainly the 20-year-old central defender has completely calculated his arrival on the worldwide scene.

First referred to as up for the Nations League doubleheader in September, he made his debut as a late substitute in an exhilarating 3-3 draw with England at Wembley.

Bella-Kotchap performed an hour of final week’s warm-up sport in opposition to Oman, a 1-0 win, however once more instead after Lukas Klostermann was taken off within the first half as a precaution.

At this stage, it appears unlikely that Santo will begin the World Cup opener in opposition to Japan, however he might actually work his approach up the line-up over the course of the match.

Who’re the gamers to look at?

As is usually the case with German groups, this isn’t a workforce that depends closely on one star, nevertheless it does boast two world-class goalkeepers in Manuel Neuer and Marc-André ter Stegen.

Joshua Kimmich is excellent, whether or not as a right-back or central midfielder, nevertheless it’s attacking that Germany’s best power is.

With Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané, Flick has two flying wingers at his disposal, whereas this may very well be the match the place Jamal Musiala stands out and reveals his abilities to the world, though the 19-year-old might have to begin on the bench. . .

Thomas Müller stays one of many favorites, with 118 caps and ten World Cup targets to his title, whereas Kai Havertz has a greater goalscoring document for Germany than Chelsea, together with a latest brace in opposition to England.

What are Germany’s prospects in Qatar?

Germany is ranked sixth favourite by most bookmakers, suggesting that advancing past the quarter-finals would symbolize a optimistic efficiency.

However it is a nation with a proud historical past in worldwide soccer, profitable seven main titles (no workforce has received extra Euros and solely Brazil has extra World Cups) and, because the English know higher than most, dismisses the Germans underneath your individual threat.

Flick’s expansive fashion combines seasoned champions from his triumphant 2014 crop with a number of proficient kids, making this Germany decide an thrilling watch.

Query marks stay over who will begin in defence, with solely Antonio Rüdiger secured in his place, whereas up entrance they lack a pure No. 9 and depend on targets to be break up between quite a lot of attacking choices.

The second group sport in opposition to Spain will likely be a great early indication of how far this Germany aspect can go. In the event that they win the group, they’re prone to meet pre-tournament favorites Brazil within the quarterfinals.