Liechtenstein vs Germany

Germany are set to begin a new life after Joachim Low as they head to Kybunpark to take on walloping boys Liechtenstein in a must-win 2022 World Cup qualifier.

Minnows Liechtenstein are no strangers to the current situation in Group J as they head into proceedings have lost their opening three World Cup qualifying fixtures by an aggregate score of 10-1. Rooted to the foot of the standings, the ‘Blues-Reds’ have amassed just two victories from their previous 63 World Cup qualifying encounters (D6, L55). Worryingly, Liechtenstein finished their last World Cup qualifying cycle with all ten defeats and a humiliating -38 goal difference (GF:1, GA:39). Given the way they started this one, Liechtenstein could be on course of emulating an embarrassing average of 3.9 goals conceded per World Cup qualifier from their last such campaign. A match against Germany threatens to make things worse for the hosts, as they’ve lost all four overall H2Hs, letting in an average of 6.75 goals per encounter in that sequence.

On the other hand, a disappointing last-16 elimination at Euro 2020 saw Germany part ways with Low and appoint ex-Bayern Munich manager Hans-Dieter Flick as the new chief of staff. Flick’s first task will be to bring Germany’s World Cup qualifying campaign back on track following a dismal 2-1 home defeat to North Macedonia last time out in this cycle. After qualifying for each World Cup final tournament in which they were eligible since 1934, ‘Die Mannschaft’ are confident of achieving that feat again despite trailing Group J pacesetters Armenia by three points ahead of the kick-off (W2, L1). Flick will also have to shore up Germany’s defense that has failed to keep a clean sheet in seven consecutive internationals, conceding precisely two goals per game in their last three outings in a row.