Today, Germany play at the Khalifa International Stadium. Japan, natives of the rising sun, are the first opponents to shake off their reputation as the first round exits of the World Cup in Russia and reach the mainstream. Not only Germany but also Japan need a win to secure knockout qualification from Group E, which also includes Spain.
Four-time World Cup winners. They have reached the semi-finals of four of the five World Cups held since the turn of the century. But after the Russian experience of losing to Mexico and South Korea, coach Hanse Falke replaces coach Joachim Low. Things are changing. He scored 36 goals in European qualifying. They were also the first team after the hosts Qatar to qualify for this World Cup. 19-year-old young setter Jamal Musiala says the German team has the strength to win the title this time. Musiala, who plays for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, has already scored nine goals.
Japan doesn’t have much history to tell in the World Cup. They hosted the World Cup in 2002. The big event was when they upset the Colombians in the first match of the last World Cup. It will not be an easy task for the Samurais, who will be playing in their seventh consecutive World Cup final, overcoming Germany and Spain to progress from the group. Takumi Minamino, who plays for Monaco in the French league, is the strongest player in the team.
