SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv will be counting down the days to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with the tournament set to run from 20 November to 18 December and provide the most thrilling distillation of ‘The Beautiful Game’.
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Group E is the only group to boast two former World Cup winning nations – Spain and Germany. The European heavyweights are the most likely to advance through this stage, but they would do well not underestimate Japan and Costa Rica – teams which have sprung major tournament upsets in the past and will be eager to do so again.
Spain / Nickname: La Furia Roja / Previous World Cup appearances: 15 / Best World Cup performance: Champions 2010 / World Cup record: P63 W30 D15 L18 GF99 GA72.
Germany / Nickname: Die Mannschaft / Previous World Cup appearances: 19 / Best World Cup performance: Champions 1954, 1974, 1990 & 2006 / World Cup record: P109 W67 D20 L22 GF226 GA125.
Costa Rica / Nickname: Los Ticos / Previous World Cup appearances: 5 / Best World Cup performance: Quarterfinal 2014 / World Cup record: P18 W5 D5 L8 L8 GF19 GA28.
Japan / Nickname: Samurai Blue / Previous World Cup appearances: 6 / Best World Cup performance: Round of 16 2002 & 2018 / World Cup record: P21 W5 D5 L11 GF20 GA29.
Players to watch
Pedri – The 2022 World Cup gives Spanish midfielder Pedri the chance to underline his status as one of football’s finest up-and-coming talents.
Jamal Musiala – Regarded as one of the finest all-round talents in German football, Musiala’s ability to link defence and attack will be key to Germany’s hopes in 2022.
Joel Campbell – The hugely experienced former Arsenal forward will be heading to his third World Cup and looking to help Los Ticos make another major impression on the global stage.
Daichi Kamada – The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has enjoyed a fine couple of seasons for Eintracht Frankfurt and will look to bring that form to Qatar 2022.
Team to watch
Japan – The four-time Asian champions have not been spoken of as a potential surprise package coming into Qatar 2022, but Samurai Blue boast an experienced and settled squad which has a pleasing blend of veterans and promising youngsters. If they can hold their own against European heavyweights Spain and Germany, and nick a win off Costa Rica, then a place in the knockout phase is not beyond their reach.
“I think we showed that we have plenty of options in terms of strategy and playing styles,” said Japan coach Hajime Moiyasu of his team’s recent performances. “Seeing the team function well no matter who is on the field is a huge asset going into the World Cup.”
Fixtures
Times CAT
Wednesday 23 November
15:00: Germany v Japan
18:00: Spain v Costa Rica
Sunday 27 November
12:00: Japan v Costa Rica
21:00: Spain v Germany
Thursday 1 December
21:00: Japan v Spain
21:00: Costa Rica v Germany
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