Spain has drawn against arch-rivals Germany in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Group E. In June, they will be joined by the 2019 Asia Cup finalists Japan and the winner of the scheduled intercontinental play-off match between New Zealand and Costa Rica.
The draw created a rematch in the 2010 World Cup semifinals. Carles Puyol’s efforts helped Spain reach the tournament’s final in Johannesburg and finally won the prestigious trophy.
Japan will have a chance to advance to the knockout stages, and three of the last five are qualifying for the last 16 of the World Cup.
New Zealand or Costa Rica will advance to the finals in Group E. Their action will begin on Wednesday, November 23rd.
World Cup Group E table & fixtures
| Team | PTS | GP | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD |
| E1 | Spain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| E2 | CRC/NZ* | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| E3 | Germany | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| E4 | Japan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
* = Winner of Intercontinental Playoff (Costa Rica vs. New Zealand)
Group E match schedule
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | Germany vs. Japan | 8 a.m. | Khalifa Int’l |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | Spain vs. CRC/NZ | 11 a.m. | Al Thumama |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | Japan vs. CRC/NZ | 5 a.m. | Ahmad Bin Ali |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | Spain vs. Germany | 2 p.m. | Al Bayt |
| Thurs, Dec. 1 | Japan vs. Spain | 2 p.m. | Khalifa Int’l |
| Thurs, Dec. 1 | CRC/NZ vs. Germany | 2 p.m. | Al Bayt |
A round-robin format, each country will face the other 3. Group Standing The three groups that are formed based on the points of the stage match need 3 to win, one for the draw, and one for the loss.
The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage of a single game based on total points. The goal difference will be the first tiebreaker and then goal scoring if the teams are tied at points. If the teams are tied, then another set of tiebreakers is applied.
World Cup Group E draw
SPAIN
Spain remains at a critical stage in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as they finally want to emulate the latest enjoyed success on the global stage of the 2010 World Cup.
The emergence of possibilities like Padri Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres gives good indications for the future. However, it remains to be seen whether Spain will be strong enough in Qatar. “The race of the Nation’s League,” said – where France lost to La Raja in the final – is another good sign.
Coaches Luis Enrique, David De Gea, and Seergio Busqets from the recent squad have not been afraid to drop big names. Defending against Spain with an emphasis on creativity can be very difficult.
- Current FIFA world ranking: No. 7 (March 2022)
- Regional ranking: 5th (UEFA)
- World Cup titles: 1
- World Cup appearances (last): 15 (Russia 2018)
- How qualified: UEFA Group B winners: 6W-1L-1D
- Overall record (all competitions & friendlies):
- 2022: 2W-0L-0D (Goals: 7 scored / 1 conceded)
- 2021: 10W-2L-6D (Goals: 35 scored / 14 conceded)
- Coach: Luis Enrique (Spain) since November 2019
Star players: Jordi Alba (Barcelona / Spain), Rodri (Manchester City / England), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City / England)
GERMANY
Germany are keen to correct a nightmare while trying to defend their title at the 2018 World Cup. Because, for the first time in almost two decades, they entered a big tournament without the Joachim people.
Jurgen Kinsmann served as an assistant in 2006 when Die Mannscaft was planning to reach the semifinals on home soil before starting his own acclaimed 15-year term as head coach.
The highlight of that era came when Germany won the fourth world title in Brazil-2014. A disappointing European Championship campaign could mark last year’s departure. His former assistant Hansi Flick is keen to revise to lead an exciting new generation.
- Current FIFA world ranking: No. 12 (March 2022)
- Regional ranking: 9th (UEFA)
- World Cup titles: 4
- World Cup appearances (last): 19 (Russia 2018)
- How qualified: UEFA Group J winners: 9W-1L-0D
- Overall record (all competitions & friendlies):
- 2022: 1W-0L-1D (Goals: 3 scored / 1 conceded)
- 2021: 11W-3L-2D (Goals: 50 scored / 13 conceded)
- Coach: Hansi Flick (Germany) since July 2021
Star players: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich / Germany), Kai Havertz (Chelsea / England), Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich / Germany)
JAPAN
Round of 16 in the World Cup never went out of the stage 16 Japan national team will be hoping to enjoy a long run in the 2022 World Cup tournament.
Their squad includes many experienced players as well as some talented young prospects, such as Mallorca on-loan Real Madrid winger Tekfusa Kubo. Japan also boasts players with Premier League certificates. As well as many fans around the world will be familiar with Arsenal.
Japan’s preparation for the tournament has improved, beating Australia’s challenge in the AFC region to actively qualify. But it remains to be seen how well the Samurai Blue will fare when they face a strong opponent.
- Current FIFA world ranking: No. 23 (March. 2022)
- Regional ranking: 2nd (AFC)
- World Cup titles: —
- World Cup appearances (last): 7 (Russia 2018)
- How qualified: (AFC Third Round Group B winners: 7W-2L-1D)
- Overall record (all competitions & friendlies):
- 2022: 3W-0L-1D (Goals: 7 scored / 1 conceded)
- 2021: 10W-2L-0D (Goals: 39 scored / 5 conceded)
- Coach: Hajime Moriyasu (Japan) since August 2018
Star players: Takumi Minamino (Liverpool / England), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal / England), Maya Yoshida (Sampdoria / Italy)
COSTA RICA/NEW ZEALAND
Costa Rica and New Zealand will meet in an intercontinental play-off match in June. Decide which team will take the last place to play in the final.
The fate of Costa Rica will be decided after finishing fourth in the CONCACAF, the internationals through play-offs, and who will be hoping to send their tournament magic again.
- Current FIFA world ranking: No. 31 (March 2022)
- Regional ranking: 3rd (CONCACAF)
- World Cup appearances (last): 5 (Russia 2018)
- Overall record (all competitions & friendlies):
- 2022: 5W-0L-1D (Goals: 7 scored / 1 conceded)
- 2021: 5W-6L-7D (Goals: 14 scored / 18 conceded)
- Coach: Luis Fernando Suarez (Colombia) since July 2021
Star players: Keylor Navas (Paris Saint-Germain / France), Bryan Ruiz (Alajuelense / Costa Rica), Joel Campbell (Monterrey / Mexico)
New Zealand will have the opportunity to reach the World Cup for the third time in the history of the country after coming through the OFC region. A 5-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in a match held in Doha, the capital of Qatar, was won by Chiris Wood. Newcastle Man – with 33 national team goals at the senior level – if the All Whites want to get the job done, he will probably have to make a difference again.
- Current FIFA world ranking: No. 101 (March 2022)
- Regional ranking: 1st (OFC)
- World Cup appearances (last): 2 (South Africa 2010)
- Overall record (all competitions & friendlies):
- 2022: 5W-1L-0D (Goals: 19 scored / 4 conceded)
- 2021: 3W-0L-0D (Goals: 5 scored / 1 conceded)
- Coach: Danny Hay (New Zealand) since August 2019
Star players: Chris Wood (Newcastle United / England), Joe Bell (Brondby / Denmark), Winston Reid (Unattached)
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