Without a doubt, this is the most eagerly awaited match of the World Cup group stage, with two of football’s biggest nations going head to head in what is sure to be a very closely fought occasion.

You could argue that both nations are not where they once were, but are still very capable of going a long way into the competition. Both Luis Enrique and Hansi Flick have world-class talents among their respective squads, and both national team coaches have a point to prove.

With this game coming as the second match for both teams, this could be a cagey affair and a perfect game for the neutrals. 

Spain have lost just three of their last 29 matches (if you don’t count those defeats that occurred via penalty shoot-outs), and one of those fixtures included a 6-0 humbling of the Germans back in November 2020.

Germany have lost just one of their last 16 games and will arrive in Qatar confident of making their mark. 

Plenty of experience campaigners will be on show in this one, with the likes of Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, and Ilkay Gundogan bound to be involved, but both teams also have stunning young talents coming through, and it may be players like Pedri or Jamal Musiala that have more of an impact in 2022.