(Football news) After a very disappointing 2018 World Cup where Germany crashed out of the Group Stage, the Die Mannschaft will hope to begin their 2022 campaign on a positive note against Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium. Germany finished third in the Nations League with Italy, England and Hungary before beating Oman 1-0 last Wednesday. By winning the Jules Rimet trophy, Germany can equal Brazil’s record of five World Cups. However, progressing in the knockouts in a group comprising Japan, Costa Rica and Spain will be easier said than done, especially considering their recent form.

On the other hand, Japan, who almost eliminated Belgium in 2018 have a habit of being knocked out of the Group Stage, having failed to progress since 1998 to the knockout round. However, Hajime Moriyasu's team have 15 wins from 18 and a record 58 goals going into the World Cup and the side will be optimistic about their chances, even against a team like Germany. Japan and Germany have never faced each other in a competitive match before but the last two times the sides have met, Germany have been unbeaten, winning a 2004 friendly 3-0 before a 2-2 draw two years later.

In team news, Germany have an almost fully fit squad for the opening match except for a knee injury to Leroy Sane. Striker Niclas Fullkrug is back from illness and Thomas Muller and Antonio Rudiger have resumed full training. After a lengthy period away from the national team, Thomas Muller will hope to have another stellar World Cup campaign and build on his existing record of 10 goals and six assists in 16 World Cup matches. As for Japan, Karou Mitoma and Wataru Endo are available for selection after recovering from illness while Sporting Lisbon midfielder Hidemasa Morita is back from a calf problem. Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu should also be available for selection alongside skipper Maya Yoshida. A victory for Germany seems like the most likely result from this fixture.

Also read: Spain and Costa Rica go head to head in Group E clash