This heavyweight showdown was a mouth-watering prospect even before the tournament began, but Germany’s shock defeat to Japan has raised the stakes.
Spain routed Costa Rica 7-0 in their last match — surely striking fear into the Germans.
Below are the confirmed lineups for both teams.
MORE: How to watch Spain vs. Germany? TV channel and live stream
Spain vs Germany lineups
Hansi Flick’s side simply must not lose this match. The reaction back in Germany to consecutive group-stages exits would be unthinkable.
“It feels like a first final for us at the World Cup,” Flick told journalists ahead of the Spain game. “We will see a team who know what is at stake — a team that will do everything they can in order to make sure that we still have a chance of reaching the Round of 16.”
Flick’s team is unlikely to see many changes, while Spain coach Luis Enrique is known for his tinkering.
“As a rule, I don’t usually repeat 11s,” the former Barcelona coach said. “I’m not worried, but there’s several positions I still have to decide.
“That shows the quality we have in our squad. I will wait for our final training session and sleep on it for one more night.”
Spain starting 11
Spain (4-3-3, right to left): 23. Simon (GK) — 20. Carvajal, 16. Rodri, 24. Laporte, 18. Alba — 9. Gavi, 5. Busquets, 26. Pedri — 11. Torres, 10-Asensio, 21. Olmo
Injured: Guillamon Suspended: None
Dani Carvajal missed the opening match after catching a cold, which was reportedly blamed on the air conditioning in Spain’s hotel. The Real Madrid man comes in for Cesar Azpilicueta.
Midfielder Rodri played at centreback against Costa Rica and retains his place alongside Aymeric Laporte against a talent-stacked Germany forward line.
Germany starting 11
Germany (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Neuer (GK) — 5. Kehrer, 15. Sule, 2. Rudiger, 3. Raum — 6. Kimmich, 8. Goretzka, 21. Gundogan — 10. Gnabry, 13. Muller, 14. Musiala
Injured: None Suspended: None
Leroy Sane is an attacking option Flick will be desperate to have at his disposal against Spain, but if he is involved it will once again be from the bench.
Speaking on the winger’s condition, Flick said: “We need to wait and see how Leroy feels after the final training session. He will be able to take part, which is good news.”
Sane tore his hamstring in October but managed to recover in time for selection for Qatar. He was an unused substitute for the Japan upset.
Thilo Kehrer is in at right-back with Niklas Sule shifting inside to partner Antonio Rudiger. Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is in to bolster the midfield, while Thomas Muller is the pick ahead of Kai Havertz up front.
Spain vs Germany World Cup squads
Here are the names on Spain and Germany’s World Cup squads in Qatar (caps correct to start of Qatar 2022):
