GERMANY kick off their World Cup 2022 campaign in a clash against Group E opponents Japan TODAY!
The Germans were knocked out in the group stages four years ago at the Russia World Cup so will be looking for a different turnout this time.
Players like Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry are now at the forefront of a resurgent German side.
The four-time World Cup winners are looking to win their first major tournament since their triumph in Brazil in 2014.
Japan are a tough international side to contend with, however, and will be hoping they can make it to the knockout stages once again.
They were knocked out at the last-16 stage by Belgium in 2018, lossing 3-2 having been 2-0 up early in the game.
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When is Germany vs Japan?
- Germany’s big clash with Japan will take place on Wednesday, November 23.
- The match will kick off at 1pm UK time in the UK.
- Germany vs Japan will be held in the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan.
- The last time the two sides played each other was in 2019 and they drew 2-2.
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What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- Germany vs Japan will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
- You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
Herr Flick talks German attacking options
The Germany manager has spoken about Thomas Muller’s return from hip injury and knee issue suffered by Leroy Sane:
He is definitely an option. He did a very good job today in training. We are happy with him. He gives us one more option. It’s bitter that we have to do without Leroy. He can decide a game with his quality alone. We hope he can play on Sunday.
Hansi Flick
From Russia without much love
Germany are looking to consign memories of Russia 2018 to history, finishing bottom of their group and crashing out of the tournament.
The curse of the defending champions was well and truly alive for the Germans at the 2018 World Cup, as the side formerly led by Joachim Low saw the defence of their 2014 crown fall at the first hurdle.
This was then followed up with a last-16 elimination to England in the recent European Championships.
True FIFA legends card status applies
Thomas Muller returns to the national team after his exile, looking to build on a record of 10 goals and 6 assists in 16 World Cup matches for Germany.
The Bayern Munich attacker will be hoping to spearhead Die Mannschaft’s attack.
A player with the ability of being in the right place at the right time is priceless when it comes to tournament football such as the World Cup.
Welcome to Germany vs Japan
Germany kick off their World Cup 2022 Group E campaign against Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium this afternoon.
The pre-World Cup talk regarding the Germany camp was unsurprisingly focused on Marco Reus, who suffered yet another cruel injury blow to rule him out of the World Cup.
Reus has now missed Euro 2016, Euro 2020, the triumphant 2014 World Cup tournament and this year’s showpiece in Qatar through injury.
However, Germany are expected to be working with a fully-fit squad for the opening matchday barring knee victim Leroy Sane, with striker Niclas Fullkrug back from illness and the duo of Thomas Muller and Antonio Rudiger also returning to training over the weekend.
As for Japan, Karou Mitoma and Wataru Endo have overcome illness and a head injury respectively to make themselves available, while Sporting Lisbon midfielder Hidemasa Morita is back from a calf problem and could be fit enough to start.
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was rested against Canada following his recent muscular problem but should be fine to take his place in the team here, most likely alongside 122-cap skipper Maya Yoshida in the heart of defence.
Attacking options are rife within the Samurai Blues ranks for the World Cup, and Takuma Asano’s greater international experience compared to his fellow forwards should work in his favour.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
