8:46 23. november
This is what Wednesday leads to the World Cup
Morocco – Croatia (11.00)
A duel with a supposed favorite – after all, Croatia are second in the world. But the Moroccans also have three absolute stars on board: Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) and playmaker Hakim Ziyech (FC Chelsea).
Croatia had a strong Nations League season and won their group ahead of Denmark and world champions France. The director is the now 37-year-old Luka Modric.
Germany – Japan (14:00)
After the hype about the “One Love” bandage, Germany has to focus on purely sporting. After the early end of the World Cup in Russia, a victory at the start should give security. National coach Hansi Flick has to do without Leroy Sané, who has injured his knee.
Japan comes with concentrated Bundesliga power: Frankfurt’s Daichi Kamada, Stuttgart’s Wataru Endo and Schalke’s Maya Yoshida are among the regulars. Whoever is in goal, on the other hand, is still open.
Spain-Costa Rica (17:00)
In Spain, after the former world stars around Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and company, there are three absolute talents with the “i” for the Spanish midfield: Pedri, Gavi and Fati. In attack, however, the 2010 world champions rely on routine: 30-year-old Alvaro Morata provides the goals.
As always, Costa Rica is considered an absolute outsider. The star is goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who won the Champions League three times with Real Madrid.
Belgium – Canada (20:00)
Belgium is no longer a secret favorite. The Belgians are favorites for the title with now aging world stars, such as the currently injured Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard or Kevin de Bruyne. Canada are hoping for individual class from Bayern star Alphonso Davies. 22-year-old forward Jonathan David (LOSC Lille) could also make the difference. (dpa)
Croatia had a strong Nations League season and won their group ahead of Denmark and world champions France. The director is the now 37-year-old Luka Modric.
07:30 23. november
Lucas Hernandez suffered a cruciate ligament tear
For Lucas Hernandez the World Cup in Qatar ended prematurely. Bayern Munich’s French defender suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the opening 4-1 win against Australia.
The left-back’s injury is another blow for the starters, who are without four other starters in Qatar: Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kanté and Presnel Kimpembe. Hernandez, who played in all seven matches of the 2018 World Cup, was injured just before conceding a nine-minute goal. His replacement will probably be his brother Théo Hernandez in the next matches. (dpa)
