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Spain coach Luis Enrique wants to play to win - contrary to initial considerations
Photo: JAVIER SORIANO / AFP
Hansi Flick showed at least a little uneasiness.
"We no longer have progression entirely in our own hands," said the national coach before the final group game.
A win against Costa Rica (8 p.m., live ticker: SPIEGEL.de, TV: ARD) would make the round of 16 very likely, but the constellation in Group E holds risks even if the DFB team does their homework.
Spain has the best starting position: After two matchdays at the soccer World Cup in Qatar, "La Roja" leads the group with four points, before the final duel with Japan, the Spaniards have group victory in their own hands.
However, second place could be more likely to help the Spaniards go far in the tournament.
Because: In the round of 16, a team from the nominally weaker Group F is waiting in any case. As group winners, however, a duel with top favorites Brazil is already threatening in the quarterfinals, should the Seleção also win Group G after two wins so far.
In the worst case, a duel with Portugal awaits them as runners-up in the group.
So does Spain lose on purpose to let Japan pass and take the easier path?
Is there a threat in Doha similar to the "disgrace of Gijón" when Germany and Austria agreed on a 1-0 draw for the German team at the 1982 World Cup in Spain in order to secure progress for both teams?
Enrique wants to »hit everyone«
The topic was discussed within the Spanish team - but quickly dismissed, as national coach Luis Enrique asserted.
"We can't do milkmaid bills," said Enrique.
"To win a world championship you have to beat everyone you're up against.
And that is exactly what we will try.«
The course of the tournament has already shown that the Spanish co-favourites don't see themselves as tactical result football.
In the 7-0 win against Costa Rica, the Spaniards mercilessly scored goal after goal instead of conserving their energy.
That could be slightly different against Japan: regular players Gavi and Rodri are injured, captain Sergio Busquets could be rested to avoid a yellow card suspension.
The Japanese have shown against the Germany team, which is similar to Spain in the game structure, that they can hurt a possession team with their fast players.
However, a conscious slowdown by the Spaniards, such as the already qualified French put in on Wednesday with an almost completely rotated B-Elf against Tunisia, is not to be expected.
Because: Spain can still be eliminated in the group phase.
In order for the German team to become a spoilsport for the Spaniards, they would have to catch up on »La Roja« in goal difference by eight goals.
That is possible, but unlikely.
However, should Costa Rica win their second win against Germany and climb to six points, Spain cannot afford to lose to Japan - especially not an intentional one.
