The 2010 World Cup winners face the 2014 champions as Spain aim to send Germany packing after just two matches in Qatar.
This heavyweight showdown was a tantalizing prospect even before the tournament began, but Germany’s shock defeat to Japan raised the stakes.
Spain thumped Costa Rica 7-0 in their last game – it must have struck a nerve in the Germans.
Below are the projected lineups for both teams based on the latest pre-match reports.
Spain vs Germany lineups
Hansi Flick’s side simply must not lose this match. The reaction back in Germany to consecutive group-stages exits would be unthinkable.
“It feels like a first final for us at the World Cup,” Flick told journalists ahead of the Spain game. “We will see a team who know what is at stake — a team that will do everything they can in order to make sure that we still have a chance of reaching the Round of 16.”
Flick’s team is unlikely to see many changes, while Spain coach Luis Enrique is known for his tinkering.
“As a rule, I don’t usually repeat 11s,” the former Barcelona coach said. “I’m not worried, but there’s several positions I still have to decide.
“That shows the quality we have in our squad. I will wait for our final training session and sleep on it for one more night.”
Spain projected starting 11
(4-3-3, right to left): 23. Simon (GK) — 20. Carvajal, 3. Garcia, 24. Laporte, 18. Alba — 9. Gavi, 5. Busquets, 26. Pedri — 11. F. Torres, 7. Morata, 21. Olmo
- Injured: Guillamon
- Suspended: None
Alvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal both missed the opening match after catching colds, which were reportedly blamed on the air conditioning in Spain’s hotel. They will hope to be involved from the start against Germany.
Midfielder Rodri played at centre-back against Costa Rica. Enrique prefers to play Eric Garcia but the Barcelona star’s hamstring niggle and subsequent lack of game time meant he missed out. If he’s fit enough, Enrique will surely risk him against Germany.
Germany projected starting 11
(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Neuer (GK) — 15. Sule, 23. Schlotterbeck, 2. Rudiger, 3. Raum — 6. Kimmich, 21. Gundogan — 19. Sane, 10. Gnabry, 14. Musiala – 7. Havertz
- Injured: None
- Suspended: None
- Leroy Sane is an attacking option Flick will be desperate to have at his disposal against Spain, but the decision of whether to start him will be made last minute.Speaking on the winger’s condition, Flick said: “We need to wait and see how Leroy feels after the final training session. He will be able to take part, which is good news.”
Sane tore his hamstring in October but managed to recover in time for selection for Qatar. He was an unused substitute for the Japan upset.