Germany possible starting XI for game 1 of the group stage vs Japan

Recollections of 2018 remain in the minds of this new-look German side, many of whom never encountered the joys of the 2014 triumph in person. At 36, Neuer is one of the oldest in Germany’s 26-man squad and, alongside Thomas Müller, Mario Götze, and Matthias Ginter, one of just four players left from the team gloried in Brazil eight years ago.

Head coach Hansi Flick was Joachim Löw’s assistant back then and came into the tournament with an impressive record of winning 10 of the 16 games.

Unfortunately, Germany’s best player this season, Leroy Sané, would have been anticipated to start against Japan on Wednesday but will not start because of a minor injury. Still, head coach Hansi Flick has plenty more options in the winger position. The 57-year-old could opt for Serge Gnabry, Julian Brandt, Mario Gotze, Kai Havertz, and even Jamal Musiala could also play out wide.

No doubt that Hansi Flick will hone the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Niclas Fullkrug up top, bound by Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry, with Thomas Muller playing tailender in the attacking midfield position. If Muller isn’t fit, then Kai Havertz and Julian Brandt can be alternate options for the attack.

In the defensive line, things are pretty much inevitable. David Raum will probably start at left-back, though he hasn’t been in good form this season. Niklas Sule and Antonio Rudiger are the principal candidates to start in central defense, with Thilo Kehrer regularly selected at right-back by the coach.

Keeper Neuer will lead the team and remains the first goalkeeper choice for a fourth consecutive World Cup.

Germany’s possible lineup 4-2-3-1

Neuer (c)

Kehrer, Süle, Rüdiger, Raum

Kimmich, Goretzka

Hofmann, Musiala, Gnabry

Havertz