Germany vs Iceland – preview
The FIFA World Cup qualifiers kick off in Europe this midweek, with continental giants Germany embarking on their journey to Qatar 2022 with a showdown against Iceland. The four-time world champions will welcome their Group J rivals at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg for their 3:45 p.m. showdown with the sole aim of die Mannschaft being to return to form in the first international break of this calendar year.
2020 might have ended nearly four months ago but that horrific 12-month spell has not yet been forgotten. The 2014 World Cup champions endured another disappointing UEFA Nations League campaign, finishing second and being beaten 6-0 by Spain on the final Matchday after finishing dead bottom in their group in the previous edition.
In fact, Joachim Low's side won only three of the eight matches they played in 2020, drawing four and losing one – that defeat being the thrashing at the hands of Spain. Since then, the manager has announced his decision to step down from the national team but that will only come into effect after this summer's European Championship.
This means Low will not be in charge for the entire qualifying stage but will be looking to rack up as many points as possible before passing the torch to his successor, having overseen a declining but appreciated 15-year spell in charge. While the group-stage exit in the 2018 FIFA World Cup remains fresh in the memories of everyone, it should not be forgotten that the 61-year-old lead die Mannschaft to the title in 2014 as well as a bronze medal in the 2010 edition.
Germany have lost only once in their last 15 home games and should thus enter this clash with confidence. Experienced players such as Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels, and Jerome Boateng remain excluded but Low called up several talented players, with the likes of Kimmich, Gundogan, Gnabry, Sane, and Werner making the list – the Chelsea striker has struggled in his debut season in the Premier League but remains a highly-coveted member of the national team set-up.
As for Iceland, they are gearing up for their first game under the helm of Arnar Vidarsson. The 43-year-old replaced Erik Hamren after their horrendous UEFA Nations League campaign that saw them lose every single game and subsequently get relegated to League B. Given that the Nordic nation were grouped with Belgium, England, and Denmark, it wasn't all too surprising that this occurred.
However, the disappointment did not stop there as Iceland missed out on a spot in Euro 2020, losing to Szoboszlai-led Hungary in the playoffs. As a result, it would be safe to say automatic qualification for Qatar 2022, which is reserved for the team that finishes first in the group, is out of reach. However, given that their other competitors are Armenia, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, and Romania; Iceland should be targeting a second-placed finish which would secure them progression to the second round.
Team news
Germany: Joshua Kimmich is a doubt despite making the squad and could miss out on the clash with Greece. Additionally, Toni Kroos was initially called up to the team but was forced to leave due to injury. Gnabry, Werner, and Sane are expected to lead the line.
Iceland: The visitors will be without influential midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson due to the birth of his child. Furthermore, Emil Hallfredsson is out with injury while Alfred Finnbogason is nursing a calf injury.
Key stats
-
Iceland are yet to beat Germany in four previous encounters, losing all but one of them.
-
Die Mannschaft have conceded only once against Thursday's opponents while netting a whopping 11 times.
-
Joachim Low has never lost a FIFA World Cup qualifier, winning 27 of the 30 games he has overseen (D3).
Broadcast listings
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
