At the end of the World Cup group phase, the German national team is challenged against Costa Rica on Thursday evening (kick-off 8 p.m.). After the 2-1 defeat against Japan and the 1-1 draw against Spain, the DFB selection is condemned to victory in the last group game. How high the victory must be in the end to move into the round of 16 depends on the parallel game Japan vs. Spain.
“We no longer have progress in our own hands because we didn’t structure the first game as we had planned,” explained national coach Hansi Flick at the press conference on Wednesday afternoon. “Of course we have the right to qualify for the round of 16.” However, the ex-Bayern coach “doesn’t feel any pressure at all before the duel with Costa Rica. I’m convinced that we’re on the right track,” said the 57-year-old. “I have the feeling that the teamwork gets better from training to training.” On Thursday evening, Flick and his team “want to get the game clear as quickly as possible in order to put pressure on the other place (parallel game, editor’s note)”, emphasized Löw’s successor. However, Costa Rica also has a chance of reaching the round of 16, emphasized the ex-professional. Should Spain win against Japan, Keylor Navas will do
In the last group game, Flick can draw on plenty of personnel. “Everyone was fit when I left the camp. Everyone can train today,” said the Heidelberg native. Leroy Sané no longer has any problems and was already a candidate for the starting eleven against Spain, according to the trainer. “He’s a good option for the game, like so many others.”
TW: Manuel Neuer – The captain is between the posts again.RV: Lukas Klostermann – In the right-back position, Flick has to decide between Thilo Kehrer and Klostermann, who made a good impression after being substituted on against Spain.IV: Niklas Süle – No changes are to be expected in central defence. The BVB professional is expected to play on the right again.IV: Antonio Rüdiger – The central defender has not lost a duel against Spain.LV: David Raum – In the last group game, the left-back suffered a bruised rib. However, nothing should stand in the way of a performance on Thursday evening.ZM: Joshua Kimmich – “He leads the way in training and in games and is always highly motivated. I definitely see him as one of our leaders,” Flick praised the Bayern professional.ZM: Leon Goretzka – In addition to Kimmich, the ex-Schalke will probably start again.RA: Leroy Sané – After two poor performances, it is quite conceivable that Serge Gnabry will have to vacate the place on the right flank for Sané.OM: Ilkay Gündogan – The three-man midfield with Kimmich, Goretzka and Gündogan worked well, according to the national coach. “Ilkay did well in the 10th position, although he doesn’t usually play that position. I think that formation would be doable again.”LA: Jamal Musiala – The youngster is expected to return to left winger. “Jamal has something special and is very good for our game to create dangerous situations,” emphasized Flick. MS: Thomas Müller – Despite his important goal against Spain, it cannot be ruled out that Niclas Füllkrug will “only” take over the joker role again. At the press conference, Flick did not want to be seen in the cards with this personality.
Neuer – Klostermann, Süle, Rüdiger, Raum – Kimmich, Goretzka – Sané, Gündogan, Musiala – Müller
Costa Rica will have to do without the suspended Francisco Calvo in the final group game.
Navas – O. Duarte, Waston, Martinez – Fuller, Borges, Tejeda, Oviedo – Torres, Contreras, Campbell
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This article was originally posted on 90min.de as Lineups: Costa Rica vs Germany – who is playing? released.
