Germany will open their World Cup campaign when they do battle with an unpredictable Japan side at the Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Germany and Japan have been drawn in a tough Group E alongside the likes of Spain and Costa Rica.
Die Mannschaft comes into this fixture after clinching a narrow 1-0 victory over Oman a week ago. Samurai Blue, meanwhile, will look to bounce back after they suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to debutants Canada in their warm up friendly international.
Germany coach Hansi Flick said: “I told the team you have to show that you are ready for Qatar — he showed that he is ready for the World Cup. He was very present, had a few finishes, did his job well and scored a goal.
“But we still have a few days before the Japan game to decide in peace. I don’t want to give too much away there.”
The two teams have faced each other twice before and most recently squared off in 2006, which ended in a 2–2 draw at the BayArena in an international friendly match.
Flick will have his entire squad fit and ready, with only Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus and Timo Werner missing out due to injuries, while Hajime Moriyasu has his whole squad at his disposal with no injuries to report.
Niclas Füllkrug will be looking to continue his form for Germany after scoring his first goal on his debut in their win over Oman on Thursday.
Takumi Minamino will play a starring role in the Japanese side, having already scored 17 goals and registered eight assists in 44 appearances for his national team.
Germany’s Form All Competitions:
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Japan’s Form All Competitions:
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