• World Cup 2022

Jurgen Klinsmann rates Germany’s chances to stay in World Cup

Jurgen Klinsmann
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The Mannschaft lost a crucial opening game against Japan on Wednesday.

Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann believes Hansi Flick’s men need a “miracle” against Spain to remain in World Cup.

Die Mannschaft suffered an unexpected defeat against Japan in their opening game in Qatar.

Ilkay Gundogan put the Germans ahead with a penalty in the first half. But Flick’s side struggled to put up with their opponents’ aggressive football after the break.

Japan then pulled off a shocking comeback, beating the four-time World Champions through Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano’s goals.

Speaking about the game, Klinsmann told BBC: “Obviously it’s hugely, hugely disappointing for us Germans.

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“The overall performances was just not good enough. It was not what we expected after the disaster in Russia, going home [after] the group stage in Russia. 

“Our hope was that they showed the right spirit, they showed the right tempo, that they showed the right energy, and even if they were leading 1-0, I never had the feeling they put it up in a higher gear, like England did, when you score one goal and you want the second, third, fourth one.”

Asked about Germany’s chances of qualifying for the next round, he added: “Now Germany are backed against the wall. If they’re not pulling out a miracle against Spain and beat Spain, they might go home.”

Germany need to avoid defeat in their upcoming match against Spain to keep their qualification hopes alive. Die Mannschaft will then lock horns with Costa Rica in their final group-stage game next week.

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