Germany-Japan, the probable formations

Likely lineups

Penultimate day of World Cup debuts in Qatar. Germany is expected to make its debut against Japan in Group E at 2 p.m. Italian time.

Flick must do without Sané, who injured his right knee; Hofmann will take his place. Completing the line of trequartists are Musiala and Gnabry who will act behind Havertz, favored over Muller in the role of false nine. Captain Neuer is untouched between the posts.

Moriyasu plays with the same form as the Germans but still has to clear some formation doubts: in midfield Morita is in doubt, ready Shibasaki, while Endo should make it; in attack Minamino starts favored over Asano, as does Doan over Ito. In defense, two old Serie A acquaintances: Tomiyasu on the center right and Nagatomo on the left flank.

Likely lineups.

GERMANY (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kehrer, Süle, Rüdiger, Raum; Kimmich, Goretzka; Hofmann, Musiala, Gnabry; Havertz. Ct. Flick.

JAPAN (4-2-3-1): Gonda; Sakai, Tomiyasu, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Endo, Shibasaki; Kubo, Kamada, Doan; Minamino. Ct. Moriyasu.