Germany face Spain at ESPRIT Arena on Friday, March 23. Here’s all the info you need to watch.
Germany and Spain are two of the favorites to win the World Cup this summer. On Friday, the two teams play a friendly at ESPRIT Arena in Dusseldorf. With the World Cup three months away, this week’s international break will be used by managers to figure out which 23 players will make the trip to Russia.
Germany are looking to become the third team to repeat as World Cup champions and first since Brazil won in 1958 and 1962. Die Mannschaft have arguably the deepest talent pool to select players from. Traditionally, manager Joachim Low has used the final few roster spots to give young players experience at major tournaments. However, Low decided to select younger players with limited experience at the Confederations Cup, speeding up their development with the national team. Germany’s friendlies against Spain and Brazil will allow the players used last summer to get experience playing with German stalwarts such as Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos, and Mesut Ozil. In addition to introducing new players, Low experimented with different formations, shifting from a back four to a back three. Friday’s game against Spain could be an indicator as to which formation Low will use at the World Cup.
Julen Lopetegui called up the majority of regulars for the Spanish team. However, Spain called up three players who will likely get their first international cap. After a strong season with Chelsea, Marcos Alonso received his first call-up and should help solidify their back four. Alonso will likely start along with Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Dani Carvajal, giving Spain one of the best defenses in the world. Offensively, Spain have moved away from the false 9 that helped them win the 2010 World Cup and back to back Euros. However, outside of Diego Costa, Spain have limited option at striker. Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata was the biggest name not selected by Lopetegui for Spain’s friendlies against Germany and Argentina.
Next: All live stream info in one place
The international friendly match between Germany and Spain will be broadcast online. Live streaming is available on Fox Sports Go, which you can access with your cable or satellite subscription, either online or through their app.
Date: Friday, March 23
Start Time: 3:45 p.m. ET
Location: Dusseldorf, Germany
Stadium: ESPRIT Arena
TV info: Online
Live Stream: WatchESPN, Fubo.TV
Germany and Spain have not faced in an international match since November 2014, when Die Mannschaft won 1-0.