The football World Cup in Qatar is casting its shadow. The groups for the tournament were drawn on Friday – including, of course, the German national team. And they can look forward to exciting opponents.
National coach Hansi Flick could see the worry lines after the first draw for the group phase at the World Cup in Qatar: It’s against fellow favorites Spain. Germany also plays Japan and the winner of the playoff game between Costa Rica and New Zealand (game takes place in June).
t-online columnist Stefan Effenberg found clear words after the draw, saying clearly: “Spain is the favorite, but with all due respect to Japan and probably Costa Rica: If we didn’t get through this group, then we would need the next restart right away.”
First game against Japan
The DFB-Elf will play their first game on November 23 against Japan. Hansi Flick made a note of his opponents and position, sitting on a wide white armchair in the fifth row of the conference center in the World Cup capital. On the way to the World Cup (November 21 to December 18), Flick and his team have six competitive games in the Nations League.
Four games are scheduled for June, against the European champions Italy, who have not qualified for the World Cup, in Munich against England, in Hungary and in Mönchengladbach against the Italians. The second leg against Hungary and England will follow in September. The release obligation for the clubs begins immediately after the 15th Bundesliga matchday on November 14th.
Qatar opens the tournament against Ecuador
Hosts Qatar meet Ecuador in the World Cup opening game. The Group A match will take place on November 21 at the Al Bayt Stadium in al Khour, north of the Qatari capital Doha.
Qatar is taking part in a World Cup for the first time. As the host, the desert state automatically qualified for the tournament. In addition, the Qatar national team meets African champions Senegal and the Netherlands. The final will be played on December 18th.