Germany will face Japan in their opening World Cup 2022 Group E match at the Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday, with the hope of erasing any bad memories of Russia 2018. When the two teams met four years ago, both were eliminated in the group round, but the Asian team was on the verge of shocking Belgium in the round of 16. Germany vs Japan Live Streaming, Prediction, Lineups & Preview Guide by Live Football TV.
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Germany vs Japan Kick-Off Time
Germany vs Japan will kick off at 4.00 pm Qatar time, 1:00 pm UK time, 2:00 pm Central European time, and 8:00 am Eastern Time (ET).
Germany vs Japan Preview
The curse of the defending champion was alive and well for Germany at the 2018 World Cup, as the squad formerly captained by Joachim Low lost in the first round before losing to England in the final 16 of the European Championships. Defeat at Wembley ended Low’s career as Mannschaft coach, and serial champion Hansi Flick took over. The Mannschaft may be under the radar as Argentina and Brazil are considered favorites.
Die Mannschaft finished third in their Nations League group with Italy, England, and Hungary before overcoming Oman 1-0 last Wednesday. Germany can tie Brazil’s record of five World Cup titles if they win in Qatar, but navigating a group with Japan, Costa Rica, and Spain won’t be easy.
Die Mannschaft was the first side to qualify for the World Cup finals, excluding the host nation in Qatar. A 1-0 loss to Mexico in 2018 was the first time since 1986 that they didn’t win the first match.
Takashi Inui’s wonder goal placed Japan 2-0 up against Belgium, but three Red Devils goals ended their chances of a first-ever quarterfinal appearance. Japan has gone out in the group stage before reaching the final 16 of the World Cup in six tournaments since 1998, which doesn’t speak well for Hajime Moriyasu’s side this time around, but qualifying with 15 wins from 18 and a record 58 goals is a good sign.
Moriyasu’s side lost 2-1 to World Cup adversary Canada in a warm-up friendly, and they have only won five of 21 games in Group E. Japan’s most recent World Cup triumph came on the first day of the 2018 event, a 2-1 win over Colombia. Moriyasu’s side now hopes to follow in the footsteps of South Korea, which overcame Germany in the 2014 edition.
The four-time World Cup champions are unbeaten in both of their previous matches, winning the 2004 friendly 3-0 and drawing 2-2 two years later.
Germany vs Japan Team News
The pre-World Cup discussion in Germany centered on Marco Reus, who missed Euro 2016, Euro 2020, and the 2014 tournament due to injury. Germany should have a fully-fit squad for the opening matchday, except for Leroy Sane, with Niclas Fullkrug returned from illness and Thomas Muller and Antonio Rudiger back in training. Müller hopes to add to his record of 10 goals and six assists in 16 World Cup matches for Germany after returning from exile. The Bayern Munich veteran will want to lead the charge.
Karou Mitoma and Wataru Endo have recovered from illness and a brain injury, respectively, and Hidemasa Morita is back from a calf injury and could start. Gunners right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu was rested against Canada due to a muscle injury, but he should be fine to play tonight, perhaps with Maya Yoshida (122 caps). The Samurai Blue have several attacking alternatives for the World Cup, but Takuma Asano’s international experience could help him.
Germany vs Japan Lineups
Germany possible XI:
Neuer; Kehrer, Sule, Rudiger, Raum; Kimmich, Gundogan; Hofmann, Musiala, Gnabry; Muller
Japan possible XI:
Gonda; Sakai, Tomiyasu, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Morita, Endo, Kamada; Ito, Asano, Minamino
How to Watch Germany vs Japan Match?
You can watch Germany vs Japan match on TV and stream it online. Check out our FIFA World Cup Official Broadcaster list to know which channel will telecast this Germany vs Japan match in your region. fuboTV offers a great deal with the free trial to stream all the FIFA World Cup 2022 games in high definition for any device.
Germany vs Japan Prediction
Don’t be shocked if Japan’s abundance of attacking options causes some trouble for Germany, who struggled in the UEFA Nations League and is still plagued by the memories of the 2018 World Cup. Of course, Flick’s squad is healthy and has a history of starting strong, so it’s easy to imagine them making a strong start to the season.
