DOHA — Eight-nil solves all Germany’s problems. That is the score that would guarantee progress to the last 16 no matter what happens between Spain and Japan.
Defeat to Costa Rica would mean the end of the world as we know it. You might argue that Costa Rica did Germany enough of a favour in beating Japan to make thoughts of reaching the knockout stages possible at all. Getting rolled as they did against Spain is a humiliation Costa Rica are unlikely to welcome twice.
It might not matter anyway. A German win of any hue ought to do it should Japan repeat against Spain their sins both from their loss to Costa Rica and for most of the opening group game.
The Japanese’s outlandish resurrection against Germany left coach Hansi Flick in shock, leading to questions about a second successive group stage elimination at the World Cup, plus inquiries about Germany’s position in the world order. Are they still a frontline team? Are they still Die Mannschaft?
Germany gave their answer against Spain, shutting down the La Roja’s creative centre, denying space to Gavi and Pedri, and closing the passing lanes to Marcos Asensio, Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo that overwhelmed Costa Rica. Of the offensive five that ripped apart Costa Rica, only Pedri and Olmo were spared the hook against Germany.
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Fullkrug made his international debut barely a fortnight ago. At 29 he is their oldest debutant for 20 years and has spent the majority of his career outside the Bundesliga. Few knew anything about him when he ran onto the pitch against Spain.
Now we are rich in Fullkrug trivia. His nickname is Lucke, meaning gap, a moniker bestowed upon him by former Werder Bremen team-mate Marko Arnautovic because of a missing incisor. His favourite song is Eye of the Tiger and he once had a tooth removed from his forehead after a collision with a team-mate. Perhaps there is another Lucke out there as a result.
That emphatic finish against Spain is unlikely to earn him a starting berth against Costa Rica. The return to full fitness of Leroy Sane and Kai Havertz, who has recovered from the cold that saw him excluded from the matchday squad against Spain, means Flick has a full hand from which to select.
The shock defeat to Japan suddenly thrust Flick into Gareth Southgate territory, existing on a short thread, needing to justify himself on a result-by-result basis. He has a contract until the 2024 Euros and argues his team is in fact improving under his command. The display against Spain supported that view, delivering on his promise to take the game to the opposition.
He repeated the pledge ahead of the match against Costa Rica, claiming the Central Americans had Germany’s full respect and can expect to meet the same commitment and fast-paced football that so discomfited Spain.
“We are going to try to make matters clear from the start, exert some pressure and adopt the same attitude we had with Spain,” Flick said. “To come back from 7-0 [against Spain] to win against Japan is no mean feat. We have to respect that. We will see what they have in store and come up with the right solution.
“I do believe we are the forefront of the game. We play with intensity, have high pressing. We want to force errors and have possession. We want to play attractive, modern football. This is what we stand for.”
The match will see an all-female cast of officials for the first time at a World Cup. Stephanie Frappart of France will take charge of the final Group E fixture at the Al Bayt Stadium, supported by Brazil’s Neuza Back and Karen Diaz Medina of Mexico. America’s Kathryn Nesbitt will act as the fourth official, the position occupied by Frappart in the draw between Poland and Mexico.
Flick gave Frappart his full support, a position echoed by defender Lukas Klostermann, who said the issue has not even come up in team meetings. “We did not talk about it. It will not influence the match. She has worked in the Champions League, showed what she can do. She deserves to be here and I wish her the best of luck.”
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