World Cup 2022: Germany preview

Germany have played more World Cup games than any other team - can they convert that experience into a fifth title? Inform your bets ahead of the 2022 World Cup with the Germany team preview from Pinnacle.

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World Cup 2022: Germany preview

Four-time champions Germany suffered a shock group stage exit at the World Cup four years ago and they will be expecting a much-improved showing in Qatar this time around.

Hansi Flick’s squad lost just one game in qualifying, scoring 36 goals in those 10 qualifying games, and now face the challenge of taking on Spain, Costa Rica, and Japan in Group E.

Read on to inform your predictions for Germany at World Cup 2022.

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World Cup 2022: Germany key stats

Manager: Hansi Flick

Key player: Thomas Müller

FIFA World Ranking (at time of writing): 11th

Recent performances: World Cup 2018 – Group Stage, World Cup 2014 – Champions

Odds to win Group E: 2.100 (+110)*

Odds to win World Cup 2022: 10.980 (+998)*

World Cup 2022: Germany schedule

All times listed are CET (Central European Time)

November 23, 14:00: Germany vs. Japan

November 27, 20:00: Spain vs. Germany

December 1, 20:00: Costa Rica vs. Germany

World Cup 2022: How will Germany fare in Group E?

Germany are expected to battle it out with Spain for the top spot in Group E, although falling at the first hurdle of the World Cup four years ago means Flick's men cannot afford to underestimate the other group contenders.

This is a Germany side that appears to be in transition following last year's appointment of the current head coach to succeed the long-serving Joachim Low.

For every positive result, such as their 5-2 thrashing of Italy in June, there has been a disappointment – like September's 1-0 home loss to Hungary.

Die Mannschaft may not be the well-oiled machine we have seen in the past, but a top-two finish in Group E appears likely, while their showdown with Spain in Al Khor on November 27 could go a long way to deciding which team finishes top.

World Cup 2022: An analysis of Germany’s squad?

Germany's squad is packed full of experience, with captain Thomas Müller and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer epitomising that, as they will be featuring at their fourth World Cup.

Müller and Neuer play their club football at Bayern Munich and the core of the squad is made up of players from the current Bundesliga champions, with Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala all set to play key roles in Qatar.

At just 19, Musiala represents both the present and future of German football, while there is also plenty of Premier League experience within the ranks, with Chelsea forward Kai Havertz and Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan expected to feature.

World Cup 2022: What tactics will Germany use?

Flick has tended to operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation during his first year in charge of Germany, with a combination of Müller, Gnabry, Sané, Musiala, Havertz, Jonas Hofmann, and Timo Werner operating in the most attacking positions.

Further back, there is a more settled look to the midfield two of Gundogan and Kimmich, although Bayern's Leon Goretzka could provide competition in that area.

Full-back appears a problem position for Flick and it may even force him to revert to a back three from time to time, with his centre-back options including Antonio Rüdiger, Niklas Süle, and Nico Schlotterbeck.

Neuer will be the undisputed number one if fit, but Germany boast arguably the best backup goalkeeper in world football in Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen.

World Cup 2022: Is there value in Germany’s odds?

After failing to make it out of their group four years ago, Germany will be more determined than ever to impress in Qatar and they should make it through to the knockout stages without too many scares.

Croatia or Belgium are the most likely opponents for Die Mannschaft in the round of 16 and that is where things could get tricky for Flick and co.

Germany were eliminated by England at the last-16 stage of Euro 2020 and there could be a similarly early exit on the cards this time around, which would hardly be ideal preparation for the nation that is set to host the next European Championship in 2024.

Looking forward to World Cup 2022? Check out the latest World Cup 2022 odds on every match, plus Outright markets and more, with Pinnacle.

Don't forget to read our previews for all 32 teams at World Cup 2022 where you can find in-depth analysis of each team competing in Qatar.

 

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