With four World Cup titles, four second places and four third places, Germany are among the most successful nations when it comes to the FIFA’s biggest tournament. And yet, The Mannschaft is in a sharp decline since their World Cup title in 2014 in Brazil. After that glorious performance, Germany finished third in the Euro 2016, but then crashed out from the group stage at the World Cup in Russia in 2018 and from the Top 16 at the 2020 Euro. In Qatar, things are not much better – the Germans need a win in order to qualify for the knockout stage.🗣 “This is our own fault and we are now in this situation. Now we need to do what we can do.”Hansi Flick reflects on the form of Germany but remains hopeful the team can qualify pic.twitter.com/jPKx2bWPEf— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 1, 2022 And what’s even worse, even a win against Costa Rica doesn’t necessarily means a place in the Top 16. Only a 8-0 thrashing would secure Hans Flick’s men the second round, no matter what happens in the Japan – Spain game. Otherwise, there are scenarios in which The Mannschaft could win and yet come back to Germany on the first plane. But coach Hansi Flick doesn’t want to look at the scenarios and hope for a cannonade against a country which also conceded 7 from Spain.“We want to try to get the game clear as quickly as possible and put some pressure on the other pitch. It would be very presumptuous and very disrespectful to Costa Rica if we assumed we would score eight goals. We’ll be happy if we win the game” said former Bayern coach.It’s a milestone in world football: A lady will officiate at the World CupThe German media back home are playing with numbers and statistic. They point out that their national team is still without a win after two games and that the only other country which had the similar record but still managed to become champion of the world was Italy. The 1982 champion was even worse, as they went through the group stage without a win (three draws) and then won all until the end. Also, Germany won only two of the last 10 international matches: 5-2 against Italy in the Nations League, and 1-0 friendly against Oman. Not so promising.Thursday, Dec 1st18:00: (3.80) Croatia (3.45) Belgium (2.00) F18:00: (3.45) Canada (3.15) Morocco (2.25) F22:00: (8.50) Japan (4.80) Spain (1.37) E22:00: (12.0) Costa Rica (6.50) Germany (1.23) E
