While the likes of Brazil, Argentina and France all have their sights set on making their own piece of history this winter, many will be keeping an eye on a heavyweight showdown in Group E.
Although many of world football’s elite have been handed a favourable route to the knockout stage, Spain and Germany will go head-to-head in a real battle between two former world champions.
While both Japan and Saudi Arabia might be dreaming of springing a major World Cup upset in the Middle East, it will be Europe’s heavy hitters who will have all of the focus on them.
With Qatar set to take center stage with the World Cup’s first winter tournament now just a matter of days away, we have taken a look at the main Group E talking points and a look at who we think will come out on top.
How will Spain’s youngsters fair on the grand stage?
Signing off their Nations League adventure during September’s international break with an eye-catching 1-0 victory away at Portugal, Spain’s youngsters have continued to impress under Luis Enrique.
With the former Barcelona boss electing to take La Roja in a far more youthful direction over recent times, the 2010 world champions should open their Middle Eastern adventure with the mood in their camp at a high.
A new-look squad that is spearheaded by the likes of 19-year-old sensation Pedri, Spain open their Group E campaign with just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
Priced at 10/11 with Unibet to claim top spot in Group E ahead of their European rivals, Enrique’s blossoming starlets will be desperate to lay down an early marker in Qatar.
Disappointed four years ago after having to settle for a Round of 16 finish, some in Spain’s camp could be smelling the chance to spring a potential upset this month.
With Enrique electing to omit the likes of David de Gea and Sergio Ramos from his World Cup squad, it will be interesting to see how Spain’s youngsters deal with the pressure.
Could Germany be set for a tricky month in Qatar?
While Germany might have eventually played out a thrilling 3-3 draw away at Wembley during September’s international break, that result doesn’t cover what has been a real blip for Hansi Flick’s side.
Coming under real scrutiny following a shock 1-0 loss at home against Hungary earlier in the year, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his star-studded squad muster just a single win from any of their previous seven appearances.
Although the Nationalelf might have just about clung to their elite Nations League status this year, Flick will also be hoping that his side aren’t showing any hangovers from their last adventure on the world stage.
Although Germany might find themselves priced at 11/10 with 888sport to clinch top spot in Group E, the European giants failed to even book a knockout stage ticket out in Russia four years ago.
Seeking some much-needed stability and showing some extended defensive issues, Flick will be more than aware that he has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders over the next month.
With the likes of Marco Reus and Timo Werner missing out due to injury issues, Germany could face another World Cup banana skin.
Spain holds the historic advantage
With Group E certainly seen as an interesting spectacle for neutrals across the globe, all eyes will fall on the Al Bayt Stadium on November 27th when the two former world champions go toe-to-toe.
In a showdown that appears almost certain to decide who will clinch top spot in Group E, Spain will undoubtedly be boosted by their impressive record against Germany.
Storming their way to what was a famous 6-0 romp when they welcomed the European strugglers to Sevilla two years ago in the inaugural Nations League, La Roja will be looking for a repeat display later in the month.
In fact, including a 1-0 win back in 2010 on route to Spain claiming their first world crown, Enrique’s young squad are unbeaten in each of their previous five competitive meetings against Germany.
Who will win Group E?
While Spain’s youngsters might have quietly wished for a more routine path to the knockout stage this year, La Roja should be smelling the chance to lay down an early marker in the Middle East.
Although Enrique’s side might be priced as high as 10/1 with Betfair to lift a shock second world crown on December 18th, they do appear well prepared to edge out their European rivals.
Suffering just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 appearances across all formats – a run that stems back to October 2021 – they will also be excited by that eye-catching record against the Nationalelf.
Heaped with praise following that stellar 6-0 romp when they hosted Germany 24 months ago, Spain could fancy their chances of going deep in the World Cup’s first festive tournament.
Prediction: Spain to win Group E – 10/11 with Unibet
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