The FIFA World Cup 2022 is underway, and so far, it is going interesting. Saudi Arabia has produced one of the most stunning upsets against Argentina as the Saudi team scored two goals while the Argentine netted just a goal. The World Cup will create another thrilling matchup today as Germany faceoff Japan.
In a Group E opener for both sides, Germany and Japan encounter Wednesday at Khalifa International Stadium in Ar Rayyan. The German side had a terrible time in Russia during the last World Cup, failing to make it out of Group F with Mexico and Sweden progressing.
Furthermore, the Japanese team is also ready to face the four times world cup winner. Japan is the highest-ranked Asian team in the tournament. Not only that, but Japanese players are also competing for national glory and aiming to put on a show for the skill scouts.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Germany vs Japan Match Preview
- Germany and Japan are facing for the first time at the FIFA World Cup.
- The German side is unbeaten in their past two encounters with Japan in 2004 and 2006.
- The 2022 World Cup is Germany's 20th appearance, and they have won four titles too.
- Thirty-three years old, Muller has won many awards at World Cup, including a Golden Boot award.
- In their six world cup appearances since 1998, Japan has a way of losing in the group stage before making it to the round of 16.
Germany's History
Current FIFA world ranking: 11
World Cup titles: 4
World Cup appearances: 19
Coach: Hansi Flick
Captain: Manuel Neuer
Japan's History
Current FIFA world ranking: 24
World Cup titles: 0
World Cup appearances: 6
Coach: Hajime Moriyasu
Captain: Maya Yoshida
Players To Watch on Germany vs Japan
Both Germany and Japan have prepared for their first match at FIFA World Cup 2022. Daichi Kamada is one of the key players in the Japanese squad. He is an attacking midfielder by trade who is said to be the engine of the Japanese team.
Not only that but Kamada is said to have a winning mentality, having helped Eintracht Frankfurt win the Europa League in May 2022. On the other side, Germany has a solid lineup. Ilkay Gundogan, Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala are in the midfield. While Mario Gotze, Kai Havertz and Serge Gnabry are on the frontline, which may help them score goals easily.
Here's the Predicted Lineup for the Teams
Germany (4-2-3-1)
Manuel Neuer, Thilo Kehrer, Antonio Rudiger, Niklas Sule, David Raum, Joshua Kimmich, Ilkay Gundogan, Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz
Japan (4-2-3-1)
Shuichi Gonda, Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito, Wataru Endo, Hidemasa Morita, Junya Ito, Takumi Minamino, Takefusa Kubo, Takuma Asano
Germany vs Japan: Kickoff Time, Stadium, Location
Kick-off Time: 1:00 pm GMT / 8:00 am ET / 6:30 pm IST / 3:00 pm CAT
Date: November 23, 2022 (Wednesday)
Stadium: Khalifa International Stadium
Location: Doha, Qatar
Channel: Telemundo, fuboTV, etc
Prediction and Betting Odds
The Germany team will mean business for the first match as they wouldn't attempt clashing with Spain to move into the next round. Expect 3-1 in favour of the German team despite a good show from Japan.
Likewise, 67% of people say Germany will win the game, while 14% say Japan will make a historic win in Group E's first game. Here are several World Cup odds and betting lines for Germany vs Japan:
- Germany vs Japan spread: Germany -1.5 (+120)
- Germany vs Japan over/under: 2.5 goals
- Germany vs Japan money line: Germany -245, Japan +650, Draw +360