Early exit looms as Germany face Spain

Just one match into the Qatar World Cup, Germany face what amounts to a must-win clash against Spain on Sunday, a team they have not beaten in a competitive fixture since 1988.

Before Germany were stunned 2-1 by Japan in their opening match, the team faced heavy criticism for backtracking on a promise to wear a rainbow "OneLove" armband in support of diversity and human rights. Their response was powerful - a team photo before the Japan match in which all 11 players covered their mouths, suggesting they had been silenced by FIFA. But after Japan scored two late goals to beat Hansi Flick's team, the Germans were hammered by some observers for losing focus on football when they should be concentrating on avoiding a second successive group stage exit in a World Cup.