Check out the latest odds on the winner of Group E
Spain
10/11
Germany
Evens
Japan
12/1
Costa Rica
50/1
Fixtures
|
Date |
Fixture |
Location |
|
23rd November 1pm |
Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan |
|
|
23rd November 4pm |
Al Thumama Stadium, Al Khor |
|
|
27th November 10am |
Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan |
|
|
27th November 7pm |
Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor |
|
|
1st December 7pm |
Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor |
|
|
1st December 7pm |
Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan |
Group E team summary
Click on each team for a form guide and preview of their World Cup chances
-
Spain topped their groups in both their World Cup qualifiers and their Nations League campaign, but in both cases it took a decisive late Alvaro Morata goal to clinch those dramatic successes. It could be argued that those late winners papered over the cracks of campaigns that might just as easily have ended in disappointment, and Spain could find themselves tested by all three opponents in this competitive group.
-
Germany will have a point to prove after 2018's failure to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their history. Last year's infamous 2-1 home defeat to North Macedonia was soon forgotten as they swept imperiously through their qualifying group, banging in 35 goals in their nine subsequent victories. They have seemed less convincing through a patchy Nations League campaign, but we all know that (2018 aside) Germany always show up at big tournaments.
-
Japan are looking forward to their seventh straight appearance at the World Cup finals, and will be hoping to alter a pattern that has seen them alternate group stage exits with defeats in the first knock-out round. They have not been helped by being drawn in such a tough group, but if they can kick-start their tournament with a win over Costa Rica, then their quick and slick brand of football might just surprise one of the European heavyweights.
-
Costa Rica will be thinking exactly the same thing, of course, which adds extra weight to that opening game with Japan. The way they raised their game in the second half of their qualifying campaign showed admirable resilience, but it would appear the Costa Ricans will need to reach an even higher level of performance if they are to put any pressure on the other teams in the group.
Crunch games
It's difficult to see past the European heavyweights of Germany and Spain as occupants of the top two spots in Group E, although if there's a result in their much-awaited clash in the second set of group games, then that might open the door for the winner of Japan's game against Costa Rica, especially if the winner of that game gets to meet the loser of the Spain-Germany encounter in the final set of matches on December 1st. That said, even if there is something to play for in the final group games, it seems unlikely that Germany and Spain will slip up against Costa Rica and Japan respectively.
-
Probable qualifiers Spain & Germany
Possible dark horses Japan