Since this will be Hansi Flick's first significant match as Germany's manager, he'll want to make sure his team makes a good first impression. With only two victories in nine games, Flick's team hasn't exactly wowed anyone with its performance in 2022.
German confidence hasn't been boosted by their abysmal record of just two victories in their previous eight games. As fellow four-time winner Italy are not competing, Germany can tie Brazil for the most World Cup triumphs with five if they win the tournament in Qatar. It won't be simple to beat a group that consists of Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica, though, if recent results are any indicator. Germany has won both of their previous meetings with Japan, winning 3-0 in a friendly in 2004 and tying 2-2 in another exhibition game two years later. The four-time world cup champions have never met Japan in a meaningful match, so this shouldn't come as a great surprise.