On the fourth day of the World Cup in Qatar, the German national team will also start.
In the game against Japan this Wednesday (2 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the soccer World Cup, on ARD and on MagentaTV) in the Khalifa International Stadium in ar-Rayyan west of Doha, national coach Hansi Flick is in the starting XI
to his spokesman Thomas Müller.
The Bayern Munich professional is on the German starting line-up after various health problems in recent weeks.
Tobias Rabe
Responsible editor for Sport Online.
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In midfield, the national coach chose Joshua Kimmich for Ilkay Gündogan.
Kimmich's Munich club colleague Leon Goretzka initially sits on the bench.
Kai Havertz is allowed to play as number nine.
In front of captain Manuel Neuer in the German goal, Niklas Süle defends on the right, as he did last time at Borussia Dortmund.
In addition to defender Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck surprisingly occupies the center, David Raum acts on the left.
Müller is flanked by his Bayern teammates Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala
.
Only Leroy Sané, who has a knee injury, is not available in the squad of 26 players.
It is unclear whether he can play in the second group game against Spain on Sunday.
"It's bitter that we have to do without Leroy.
He's a difference player.
He can turn a game alone," said Flick on Tuesday.
For Sané, who recovered from a torn thigh muscle just before the tournament, it is another setback on the World Cup stage.
In 2018, shortly before the start, he was surprisingly removed from the squad by the then national coach Joachim Löw.
The German start is overshadowed by the anger about the "One Love" captain's armband.
After the FIFA threat that there would be sporting penalties for wearing it, the German Football Association (DFB) and the other European partners waived it.
Can the eleven hide the sport-political theater?
Rather than discussing One Love, the instability of the defense could stand in the way of success against Japan.
Christian Kamp comments on the situation at the start from a German perspective.
How did it escalate?
The debate also has other immediate consequences for the DFB.
Sponsor Rewe turns away from the association.
And other partners?
Volkswagen risks a conflict with its major shareholder Qatar.
And Adidas is silent on FIFA.
The correspondents of the FAZ describe the background
Thomas Müller also spoke up.
He criticized FIFA.
At the same time, he protected the DFB and his team-mates shortly before the first World Cup match against Japan.
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck advises captain Manuel Neuer to wear the "One Love" armband despite the FIFA ban and the threat of penalties.
But how did the escalation come about?
Christian Kamp and Tobias Rabe trace the development.
And on Monday the big bang happened.
What is a little lost in all the hustle and bustle: It is the first World Cup game as national coach for Hansi Flick.
In 2014 he was directly involved in winning the title as Löw's assistant, but now he is in the front row.
Christian Kamp writes that the national coach brought everyone back on board.
And Flick spoke a lot – with everyone and everyone.
His players should be courageous at this World Cup.
Two players to help are Jonas Hofmann and Youssoufa Moukoko.
In an interview with Christian Kamp, the Borussia Mönchengladbach player talks about intensive runs, Flick's perfectionism and the perfect position in the national team.
And Daniel Theweleit explains the magical magic of the young man from Dortmund, who has just turned 18.
Opponent Japan has many Bundesliga professionals in its ranks.
Including the Schalke defender Maya Yoshida.
In an interview with Daniel Theweleit, the captain talks about his special relationship with German football, the enormous energy of Daichi Kamada and Co. and his political commitment at home.
And how does the DFB game against Japan end?
The World Cup forecast by Daniel Memmert and Fabian Wunderlich, who calculate all probabilities based on the betting market, sees a good chance for the Germans.