Football fans

All eyes are on Sunday evening towards Al Bayt Stadium, which will host the first summits of the 2022 World Cup, between Spain and Germany.

The Spanish national team enters the match with its eye on the second successive victory, to ensure early qualification to the round of 16, after its sweeping victory over Costa Rica (7-0) in the opening round.

While the German national team hopes to avoid the second loss, for fear of early exclusion for the second edition in a row, after its surprising defeat by Japan (1-2) in the first match.

Possible changes

The Japanese thunderbolt prompted German coach Hans Flick to think about making some changes to the starting line-up when facing the Matadors.

Flick confirmed, in a press conference on the night of the match, that he had not yet determined his starting line-up, which he intends to choose based on what he saw in the last session.

It is expected that Manuel Neuer will maintain his position in the starting line-up, despite conceding two goals at the hands of Japan.

However, potential changes may start from the defense line, as press reports indicate that Niko Schloterbeck may sit on the bench, so that Niklas Sully will instead turn to the center of defense, instead of the right back, to join Antonio Rudiger.

On the right front, Lucas Klostermann is the closest to starting, after Flick relied on him in the last session, while David Raum will maintain his position on the left side.

At the midfield level, the trio of Ilkay Gundogan, Leon Goritska and Joshua Kimmich may start without any change in the starting line-up.
While the former star of the German national team, Michael Ballack, 46, believes in media statements, “The team needs Kimmich’s presence in the middle of the field.”

Ballack also indicated the need for Leon Goretzka to continue in the defensive midfielder position.

Goretzka was substituted in the last match against the Japanese national team.

“I see Goretzka in the team anyway because he has the necessary physical capabilities,” Ballack said.
And if one of them is replaced, it will be for Jamal Musiala, who will play in the middle instead of the front line.

But changes may extend the offensive line, with Leroy Sane ready to start on the left front, while Serge Gnabry will be on the right side.

It is possible that Flick will count on Thomas Muller as a spearhead, rather than position him as a late striker.