On Wednesday, Germany will be taking part in the World Cup in Qatar. A win against Japan is on the cards - but three more matches are also on the schedule. In addition to Hansi Flick's eleven, three other top-class teams will be starting with Spain, Croatia and Belgium.
Morocco - Croatia (11.00 a.m. / ARD and MagentaTV)
A duel with a supposed favorite - after all, Croatia is vice world champion. But the Moroccans also have three absolute top stars on board in Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) and playmaker Hakim Ziyech (FC Chelsea). Former coach Vahid Halilhodzic had thrown out Ziyech and Mazraoui for disciplinary reasons and ultimately had to go himself. Successor Walid Regragui brought both back into the squad for the World Cup.
Croatia played a strong Nations League season and won their group ahead of Denmark and world champions France. The director is the now 37-year-old Luka Modric.
Germany - Japan (2 p.m. / ARD and MagentaTV)
After the fuss about the "One Love" bandage, Germany has to focus on the purely sporty. After the early end of the World Cup in Russia, a win at the start should give security. National coach Hansi Flick has to do without Leroy Sané, who has injured his knee.
Japan comes with concentrated Bundesliga power: Frankfurt's Daichi Kamada, Stuttgart's Wataru Endo and Schalke's Maya Yoshida are among the regular players. Who is in goal, however, is still open.
Spain - Costa Rica (5 p.m. / ARD and MagentaTV)
In Spain, after the former world stars around Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Co., there are three absolute top talents with "i" for the Spanish midfield: Pedri, Gavi and Fati. In attack, however, the 2010 world champions rely on routine: 30-year-old Alvaro Morata is to provide the goals. As always, Costa Rica is considered an absolute outsider. The top star is keeper Keylor Navas, who won the Champions League three times with Real Madrid.
Belgium - Canada (8 p.m. / ARD and MagentaTV)
Belgium is no longer a secret favourite. With world stars that are now getting on in years like the currently injured Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard or Kevin de Bruyne, the Belgians are favorites for the title. Canada is hoping for the individual class of Bayern star Alphonso Davies. 22-year-old striker Jonathan David (LOSC Lille) could also make a difference.
