The main event of FIFA World Cup action on Sunday sees a clash of two heavyweights in Group E.
The Al Bayt Stadium plays host to a highly-anticipated match-up between 2010 World Cup winners Spain and 2014 champions Germany.
The two European giants are due to meet for a fifth time at the World Cup finals, the most recent being 12 years ago in South Africa. On their way to being crowned world champions for the first time, the Spanish edged Germany in the semi-finals, 1-0.
Puyol bangs one in 💥
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 27, 2022
Spain and Germany ⏪ From the last time they met at the #FIFAWorldCup#Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/pCnwwEBBx8
Several household names were on show that day. Spain had top talents such as Xavi, Iniesta, Carles Puyol, and Sergio Ramos, meanwhile Germany boasted the likes of Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Miroslav Klose.
Previously, at the 1994 World Cup, they met in a group stage encounter which ended as a goalless draw. 12 years prior, Germany overcame WC hosts Spain by two goals to one.
In their most recent clash, two years ago in the UEFA Nations League, Spain hit Germany for six without response.
(Photo: Getty Images)
Present day, Luis Enrique and Hansi Flick have been chosen as the candidates to filter the next-generation of players into their respective national teams.
Both managers have a flurry of young talent in their ranks and it will come as no surprise if they feature prominently in this particular battle. Pedri and Gavi are of huge substance to Spain, meanwhile Jamal Musiala has emerged as a regular for Germany.
Although their upcoming meeting comes in the opening round of the tournament, it is of huge magnitude and could be of major significance in how the rest of Qatar 2022 pans out.
So far in Group E, Spain put seven past Costa Rica in their World Cup opener, meanwhile Germany were stunned, 1-2, by Japan. Earlier on Sunday, Costa Rica edged Japan by one goal to nil.
This means that a Spanish victory could leave Germany on the verge of elimination from the group stage at a second successive World Cup tournament. Reigning world champions at the time, Die Mannschaft crashed out of the 2018 finals after finishing bottom of their group below Sweden, Mexico, and South Korea.
A more interesting scenario, however, would present itself in the event Germany manage to pull off a win over a flamboyant La Roja. This would see the four relevant teams all on 3 points, each with one match remaining.
Should progression be decided by goal difference, Spain currently have the upper hand after their heavy thrashing of Costa Rica.
Spain are 2.45 to prevail in this tie; Germany are 2.80 to win; 3.50 for a draw. (Bet365)
