One of the marquee matchups of the 2022 World Cup group stage sees Germany take on Spain in the crowning "Group of Death" encounter.
The two European powers have each recently won World Cup titles, with Spain triumphant in 2010 and Germany winning in 2014. Still, the story for the two teams coming into this match couldn't be more opposite.
Spain enter round two on the heels of a 7-0 obliteration of hapless Costa Rica who shipped second-half goals at will. Germany, meanwhile, were caught out by Japan in a shock 2-1 defeat that saw them take a first-half lead and fail to see out the match.
Germany will be in salvage mode, hoping to keep from crashing out of the group stage for a second consecutive tournament. Spain, meanwhile, hold all the cards, knowing that victory sees them into the knockout round, while a draw is more than enough for them to feel comfortable.
MORE: Follow all 2022 FIFA World Cup daily picks & predictions from The Sporting News here
Spain vs Germany odds
Despite the current form of both sides, they're considered very even to come away with a result, as both feature plus odds on the moneyline.
Goals are expected in this match, given the attacking prowess of both teams. Yet that could be thwarted by the equally impressive defensive talent at both ends of the pitch, particularly with Spain, who have conceded two goals or more just twice since the last World Cup.
Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), and LadBrokes (Australia).
| BetMGM | Sports Interaction | SkyBet | LadBrokes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain win | +130 | 2.18 | 11/6 | 11/8 |
| Draw | +260 | 3.62 | 12/5 | 5/2 |
| Germany win | +188 | 2.90 | 7/4 | 9/5 |
| Both teams to score Y / N | -165 / +120 | 1.54 / 2.16 | 8/15, 11/8 | 8/15, 11/8 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals | -145 / +105 | 1.69 / 2.05 | 8/15, 11/8 | 4/6, 23/20 |
| Spain -0.5 | +120 | 1.44 | — | — |
| Germany +0.5 | -165 | 1.65 | — | — |
Spain vs Germany: 3 things to know
Spain vs Germany team news
A number of last-minute injuries kept the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Jose Gaya out of the World Cup. There are no new injury issues for Spain, however, as they made it through the big win over Costa Rica without any additional concerns.
Germany forward Leroy Sane missed the opening match with a lingering injury but will now be available for selection from the start, according to reports. Timo Werner, Marco Reus, and Florian Wertz are not on the roster due to longer-term injuries.
MORE: Full injury tracker for all 32 teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Spain vs Germany key stats
- These two teams have met 13 times previously, with Spain winning five, Germany winning three, and five draws.
- Since winning the 2014 World Cup, Germany have won just one of their four World Cup matches, losing three.
- Bayern Munich have beaten Barcelona in the Champions League a combined 11-0 over their past four European meetings. Germany have six Bayern players in the national team at the World Cup, while Spain have seven Barcelona players in their squad.
Spain vs Germany match facts
- Date: Sunday, November 27
- Kickoff Time: 2:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm GMT / 6:00 am AEDT (Mon, Nov. 28)
- Location: Al Bayt Stadium
- Official: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
Spain vs Germany prediction
- Moneyline lean: Draw (+260)
- Against the spread lean: Germany -0.5 (-165)
- Score prediction: Spain 1-1 Germany
Germany aren't as bad as they looked in their opener against Japan, while Spain aren't quite as good as they looked while demolishing Costa Rica. The two sides should regress to the mean and produce a thrilling display. Spain will be extremely pleased with a draw, knowing it sets them up for a strong finish in group-stage play.
Yet it's hard to ignore that Germany have been poor for some time now, and that could sink them in this must-win match. They've won just two of their past nine games, alongside five draws and two defeats. Four of those draws were via a 1-1 scoreline, and removing the Nations League weirdness against Italy and England, they've bagged just six goals in seven games.
MORE: How to watch Spain vs. Germany in World Cup Group E play
Spain vs Germany: best bet
This heavyweight matchup feels to be tilting in favor of Spain, but Germany still have an extremely talented squad and will play with their backs against the wall.
Spain vs Germany best bet
- Pick: Spain draw no bet
- Odds: -145 (BetMGM)
Taking Spain on plus odds to win is a great choice, but here, in a match that could very easily see Spain happy to hold for a draw, the draw no bet is a decent choice at still barely palatable odds.
Germany's attack is in disarray, and Spain are headhunting in Group E. It's easy to see Germany crashing out of the group stage, but understanding there's zero pressure on Spain entering the match, it's understandable to give credence to the potential for a draw.
Spain vs Germany prop bet
- Pick: Jamal Musiala to score or assist a goal
- Odds: +145 (FanDuel)
I took this pick in Germany's opening match, and while Musiala was their best attacking presence throughout the contest, repeatedly coming close to making magic happen, he was inexplicably yanked by Hansi Flick with 11 minutes to go and Germany chasing the game.
He should pick up where he left off and cause Spain problems here, and it will be fun to watch two young stars in Musiala and Pedri go head-to-head in the match.
Spain vs Germany flier bet
- Pick: Germany to win 1H / Spain to win 2H
- Odds: +800 (BetMGM)
If Germany can snatch an early lead from Japan and then cough it up, who's to say they won't do it against Spain? And it's not like it hasn't happened before. They blew a two-goal lead to England in their wild Nations League matchup, and they've let other leads slip in their recent past to England (again) and the Netherlands.
In fact, falling apart in the second half is becoming a theme for this Germany side. They got pipped by North Macedonia in World Cup qualification on a late second-half goal, and their defeat to England in the Euros was on a pair of goals after the 75th minute. I would take Spain to come from behind and win, but I'm wary of how La Roja could play for a draw, so taking them to win the second half is a better selection.
