Tag: world cup

Germany's World Cup survival on the line against Spain Doha: When the World Cup draw came out in April, one of the highlights of the group stage was Sunday's Spain vs Germany at Al Bayt Stadium. Eight months later, the game between the two former world champions and pre-tournament favorites gained even more prominence thanks to Germany's surprising loss to Japan in its opener in Qatar. Another setback against Spain this weekend and Germany may be heading home early for the second straight World Cup. A loss — coupled with at least a draw by Japan against Costa Rica earlier Sunday — will mean elimination for the four-time champions. Spain, meanwhile, will be looking to secure its spot in the next stage and reinforce its status as one of the top title contenders following an impressive 7-0 rout of Costa Rica in its opener. The signs are not encouraging for Germany. Its most recent match against Spain was an embarrassing 6-0 defeat in the Nations League two years ago. Its last win against "La Roja" came in a friendly eight years ago. Germany won its fourth World Cup title in 2014 in Brazil but didn't make it out of the group stage in 2018 after losses to South Korea and México. It would be the first time it fails to advance past the group stage in back-to-back tournaments. Spain won its lone World Cup in 2010 in South Africa and was eliminated in the round of 16 in 2018 in Russia. A win against Germany will allow Spain to reach the last 16 if Costa Rica doesn't defeat Japan. Expectations around Spain's young squad were raised after its outstanding performance against Costa Rica, when the team reintroduced "tiki-taka" ball-possession style and 18-year-old Gavi became the youngest World Cup scorer since Pelé in 1958. The seven goals it scored against Costa Rica matched Spain's tournament total from Russia in 2018. "The result gives us a big boost," Spain coach Luis Enrique said. "But now we have to play against a Germany team that needs the victory." Luis Enrique said he wasn't concerned with his young players being overly confident, and promised to make changes to the starting lineup for Sunday's match, without elaborating. Winger Leroy Sané could return for Germany after missing the match against Japan because of a knee injury. It will be the fifth meeting between the powerhouses at World Cups, with Spain winning the most recent one 1-0 in the semifinals of the 2010 tournament. Spain hasn't lost to Germany in official competitions since the 1988 European Championship, with two draws and three wins since then. The Germans have lost three of their last four World Cup matches dating to the tournament in Russia. They made headlines even before kickoff against Japan by covering their mouths to protest FIFA's clampdown on the "One Love" armbands. It was not clear if they would repeat the gesture before the Spain match. AP FIFA, football, World Cup, Germany, Spain

Sports

Final clash of two great football nations, shouldn’t focus on individuals: Lloris

December 18, 2022

Doha: France goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris said the FIFA World Cup final is a clash between two football nations ...

Prime News

Croatia beats Morocco 2-1 to take 3rd place at World Cup

December 17, 2022

Al Rayyan: Luka Modric led Croatia to third place in what was likely the midfield great's last appearance at the ...

Sports

Morocco and Croatia play for 3rd place at World Cup

December 17, 2022

Doha: To some, it's little more than a meaningless exhibition match. To others, it's a chance to become “immortal.” The ...

Sports

World Cup history beckons for France, Mbappé, Deschamps

December 16, 2022

Doha: World Cup history is beckoning for France, star player Kylian Mbappé and coach Didier Deschamps. When France walks on ...

Sports

‘Messi’ah of Millions: Indian fans wait for Messi’s ‘2011 Tendulkar moment’

December 15, 2022

New Delhi: When Lionel Messi, with his moist eyes, stares towards nothingness, he can stop the world around you. When ...

Sports

Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma set to lose out on BCCI central contracts

December 12, 2022

New Delhi: The BCCI is likely to remove out-of-favour Test specialists Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma from its annual central ...

Sports

Virat Kohli pens emotional note for Ronaldo after Portugal crash out of World Cup

December 12, 2022

New Delhi: Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli penned an emotional note for Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal forward's World Cup ...

Prime News

Morocco reaches World Cup semifinals; tops Portugal, Ronaldo

December 10, 2022

Doha: Morocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals by beating Portugal 1-0 on Saturday, likely ...

Sports

Messi, Argentina beat Netherlands on penalties at World Cup

December 10, 2022

Lusail: Lionel Messi's quest to win the World Cup moves into the semifinals after Argentina beat the Netherlands 4-3 in ...

Croatia beats Brazil on penalties in World Cup quarterfinals

Prime News

Croatia beat Brazil on penalties to enter World Cup semifinals

December 9, 2022

Al Rayyan: Croatia knocked Brazil out of the World Cup Friday, beating the five-time champions 4-2 in a penalty shootout ...

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Editorial

Missed Opportunity

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For an economy plagued by multiple ailments – a daily depreciating currency, growing household debt, high unemployment and inequality, exodus...

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By Aakar Patel As a democratic society, it is expected that India’s authorities follow the rule of law. This includes...

January 31, 2026

By Dilip Cherian Three hours is barely enough time for a working lunch in New Delhi. Yet when UAE President...

January 28, 2026

Invariably US President Donald Trump says one thing and means something completely different has, by now, become clear to the...

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