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The Peninsula
Doha: Germany coach Hansi Flick will not quit the national team, no matter the result between the 2014 champions and Costa Rica today at the Al Bayt Stadium in their last Group E match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Germany will advance to the Round of 16 with a win if Spain also beats Japan in the other group game. Costa Rica controls its fate and will advance with a win. All four teams still have a chance of progressing to the last 16. Germany have struggled to impress in the tournament so far, with a shock opening game loss to Japan before managing a draw against Spain to keep their hopes alive.
The poor run of results dating back to the four-time champions exit at the group stage of the 2018 tournament has raised questions about Flick's time with the squad. However, the former Bayern boss says he feels no pressure.
“I can confirm it from my side,” Flick said of remaining in his position after the World Cup.
“You never know what else might come up. I have a contract until 2024, and of course, I'm looking forward to the European Championships at home. That's a long way away.
“Tomorrow (today), the team has to deliver a top performance. We intend to move into the Round of 16 and will approach the game seriously. I don't feel any pressure at all, and I didn't feel that after the Japan game either,” Flick, who took over the team, last year, added.
Flick said Germany's opponents Costa Rica must be respected, dismissing any notion that the Europeans can score eight unanswered goals against the Central Americans, who he says have become very defensive after their opening game loss.
“Costa Rica have a chance to reach the Round of 16. A draw, and a win for Spain, is enough for them to advance.
“It would be presumptuous to assume that we will score eight goals. We must show Costa Rica the necessary respect. The team (Costa Rica) came back defensively against Japan after losing 7-0 to Spain. You have to acknowledge that, and we have to find solutions against that.”
“We go into the game and want to try to make it clear quickly. We want to apply pressure right away. We know it will be very difficult against a team that is probably very defensive,” Flick added.
Speaking on Kai Havertz, Flick disclosed that the Chelsea forward was left out against Spain because he was unwell.
“Kai didn't play against Spain because he had a cold and not because I wasn't happy with his performance against Japan.”
Suarez to change things up
For Costa Rica, Luis Fernando Suarez has revealed he'll make some more changes to the team that beat Japan to give them a chance to qualify for the knockout stage.
Los Ticos bounced back against the Asian side after a humiliating 7-0 thrashing at the hands of European giants Spain and Suarez hopes his side can take the momentum of winning into their final group tie.
“Juan Pablo Vargas is a great player who always does things. I am calm about what they are going to do. Vargas is going to play against Germany. He is working very well.
“We will assess changes against Germany, although there may be,” Suarez said. Costa Rica's attack has yet to create a decent opportunity, with their winner against Japan coming from defender Keysher Fuller. Suarez admitted they have to improve in attack.
“We know that Costa Rica has to improve a lot in attack. It's clear, but I know we can do it. The team's reaction after the defeat against Spain put me at ease. We could eliminate Germany. Imagine what that means.
“We are aware of what we are fighting for and who we are going to face. We play for an entire country that expects us to do things well. It's normal pressure. We must have a lot of responsibility and a lot of ambition for this game.”
When: Today at 10:00pm
Where: Al Bayt Stadium
Capacity: 68,895
Key stats:
- Since winning their fourth World Cup in 2014, Germany have won only one game at the tournament - a group stage match against Sweden in June 2018.
- Germany must pick up three points against Costa Rica to stay in contention for a berth in the last 16.
- Victory over Costa Rica coupled with a win for Spain against Japan will see Germany qualify. Goal difference could come into the equation with a draw or Japanese victory in the other Group E game.
- Keysher Fuller's 81st-minute goal against Japan was Costa Rica's first shot on target in the tournament.
- Costa Rica can reach the last 16 by defeating Germany. A draw would also get them a spot in the next round if Spain overcome Japan, but if the current group leaders lose then goal difference comes into play.
Previous meetings:
Costa Rica and Germany have met only once, in the opening game of the 2006 World Cup. Hosts Germany won that match 4-2.