World Cup Group E preview: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan

Germany and Spain were drawn in the same group for the 2022 World Cup. They will play against Japan and Costa Rica. Germany were crowned world champions in 2014. Spain lost in a group stage in Russia four years ago. Japan are tournament regulars and 2014 quarter-finalists.

2010 World Cup champions Spain are in Qatar for the World cup. They lost in the group stage in 2014 and the last 16 in 2018. However, they are getting back to their best, having reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and finished as runners-up at the Nations League finals last year. Spain might not be the team it once was, but experienced individuals such as Dani Carvajal, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are complemented by the likes of Barcelona's trio of youngsters Ferran Torres, Pedri and Gavi.

Costa Rica have been to five World Cups and reached the quarter-finals in two of them. Los Ticos finished above Uruguay, Italy and England in 2014. They beat New Zealand in an inter-confederation play-off to book their place in Qatar. Keylor Navas and Bryan Ruiz are the main players for Los Tacos. Joel Campbell and Bryan Oviedo are also involved.

Germany finished bottom of their group at the 2018 World Cup. They were crowned champions in Brazil four years earlier. Germany's last 16 exit at Euro 2020 was disappointing. The team is packed with talent, including Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane.

Japan have made six World Cup appearances and one Asian Cup. They finished as runners-up at the 2019 Asian Championship. Japan have been drawn in the same group as Spain and Germany. Takumi Minamino, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kaoru Mitoma are expected to play for Japan in 2022.

Germany, Spain, Costa Rica and Japan are in Group E. They play each other on Wednesday, November 23 at 1pm and Sunday, Nov. 27 at 7pm. Japan and Spain play on Thursday, December 1 at 8pm, and Costa Rican and Germany on December. 1st at 9pm