World Cup Preview - Group E: Can Germany pip Spain to first?

Having rattled through Group A, B, C and D, we not focus on Group E with European heavyweights Spain and Germany vying for top spot. 

Costa Rica 

How they qualified 

Costa Rica came fourth in CONCACAF qualifying, only behind the USA on goal difference, which meant they had to face off against New Zealand in an intercontinental playoff final, which they won 1-0. 

One to Watch – Keylor Navas 

One of Costa Rica’s greatest players. Keylor Navas shone for Los Ticos at the 2014 World Cup when they managed to top a group consisting of Uruguay, Italy and England conceding only once in the group phases, before eventually going out to the Netherlands on penalties in the quarter-finals. Since then,Navas has established himself as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers, playing for Real Madrid and currently PSG. His best attribute is his shot stopping, and being able to pull off the most impossible saves. 

Young Player to Watch – Jewison Bennette 

Currently playing in England for Sunderland, Jewison Bennette is an 18-year-old winger who will generally play on the left-hand side. He is a player who likes to run at defenders with the ball at his feet aims to get crosses into the box. Bennette became the youngest player to represent Costa Rica in a World Cup qualifying match when they faced Canada last year and he even started in the playoff match against New Zealand, which secured Costa Rica’s place at the World Cup. 

Prediction 

The quality of their opponents in this group will likely mean they go out in the group stages. 

Germany 

How they qualified 

Germany topped their qualifying group, losing only once, while winning the rest and scoring 36 goals across their 10 games. 

One to watch – Thomas Muller 

The upcoming tournament will be the fourth World Cup in which Thomas Muller has appeared in. In his previous appearances at the tournament, Muller has a combined total of 10 goals, only six away from equaling the record, which is held by his compatriot Miroslav Klose, though he didn’t manage to score in 2018 when Germany went out at the group stages. A versatile player who knows how to find the back of the net and will cause problems for opposition defenders, even at the age of 33. 

Young Player to Watch – Jamal Musiala 

Jamal Musiala represented England at youth level, but the 19-year-old has since committed to Germany, earning 17 caps since his debut in the early part of last year and become a regular member of the starting lineup. Musiala is a versatile player who can play off the wing, but also across a variety of roles in the centre of midfield, not only with an ability to create chances, but also to score them too, with nine goals in 14 appearances in the Bundesliga this season for Bayern Munich. 

Prediction 

They will qualify from this group, but it will be down to the game with Spain to determine who tops the group and assessing the two squads would probably indicate Spain as the favourites for first place. 

Japan 

How they qualified 

Japan finished as runners up in their AFC qualifying group, one point behind Saudi Arabia, which saw them automatically qualify for the World Cup. 

One to watch – Takumi Minamino 

The former Southampton and Liverpool forward, Takumi Minamino is one of Japan’s main attacking outlets. He likes to cut inside and attack the penalty area, meaning he is generally found in positions close to the goal. Currently playing for Monaco, he has found minutes hard to come by, only starting five of their opening 15 Ligue 1 games this season, but his eye for goals is certainly something Japan will rely upon as he scored 10 goals in his 16 appearances during World Cup qualification. 

Young Player to Watch – Takefusa Kubo  

At just 21 years of age, Takefusa Kubo has already spent time with both Barcelona and senior Real Madrid, before going on four loan spells at three clubs in La Liga and finally signing permanently with Real Sociedad in the summer, where he scored on his debut against Cadiz. Kubo is a winger who can create chances and also score goals, he also likes to press with intensity and often cuts inside when he dribbles. 

Prediction 

They will offer a threat to teams, especially on the counter-attack, but facing up against two of the favourites will mean they are likely to go out at the group stages. 

Spain 

How they qualified 

Spain topped their group in qualifying with 19 out of a possible 24 points. However, they required a late Alvaro Morata goal in the final game against second placed Sweden to clinch first place, only finishing top by four points. 

One to watch – Alvaro Morata 

He scored Spain’s first and final goals during qualifying and despite receiving criticism in the past, he has still managed to net 27 goals in 57 appearances for his national team. While being someone who can score goals and be there for the big moments, he also offers an aerial threat to Spain’s game, which along with the technical quality of this Spain side can be a deadly combination. 

Young Player to Watch – Pedri 

At only the age of 19, Pedri has already taken Europe by storm, accumulating individual honours such as both the Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy awards in 2021 and making headlines as one of the exciting young talents. The Barcelona star is central midfielder by trade with a fierce eye to find a pass, but also a player who isn’t afraid to run with the ball and take on opposition players. 

Prediction 

Spain are one of the outright favourites to win the tournament and will likely take top spot in this group. 

Group stage prediction

1. Spain

2. Germany

3. Japan

4. Costa Rica