Mauricio Pochettino Unconvinced Spain Can Win 2022 FIFA World Cup After Draw Against Germany

Mauricio Pochettino Unconvinced Spain Can Win 2022 FIFA World Cup After Draw Against Germany

Chukwu Ikechukwu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:18 PM
In this article:
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  • Mauricio Pochettino is worried about Spain's World Cup hopes following La Roja’s group stage draw against Germany
  • Pochettino highlighted the Spanish team’s weaknesses despite them being ranked as one of the favourites to win the tournament in Qatar
  • Spain was held to a 1-1 draw by the four-time World Champions in their second game and will next play Japan in their final group game

Spain is considered one of the favourites to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar but Mauricio Pochettino does not believe they can go all the way to lift their second World Cup crown.

The former Paris Saint-Germain manager has given his honest assessment of the Spanish national team following their 1-1 draw against Germany on Sunday, November 27.

Mauricio Pochettino, Spain, Luis Enrique, Germany, Qatar 2022, FIFA World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino believes Spain has not shown that they are good enough to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Photo by Catherine Ivill
Source: Getty Images

According to Daily Mirror, Pochettino remains unconvinced Luis Enrique’s team can win the World Cup as he pinpoints two weaknesses in the current Spanish team.

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"This is the World Cup, it’s not easy to keep the same level as Spain show against Costa Rica. Germany is a great team, good players, tough opposition but today I’m a little worried for Spain.

"Maybe they feel the pressure of the game, when the German's go high to press, trying to find a solution in the buildup and some problems, some mistakes, and the Germans finished the game stronger."

Spain will hope to seal a spot in the Round of 16 in their final group game when they take on Asian superpowers Japan.

Hansi Flick proud of Germany players

Meanwhile, Germany head coach Hansi Flick has praised the mentality of his team following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Spain at the 2022 World Cup, Sports Mole reports.

The four-time world champions would have had a very difficult time making it to the competition's round of 16 if they had lost to Luis Enrique’s Spain.

Germany who have just one point from their opening two games, would qualify for the last-16 stage of the competition if they overcome Costa Rica and Spain beat Japan in the other match.

Pochettino hails Germany wonderkid Jamal Musiala

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Jamal Musiala has earned plaudits from former Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino following his performances so far at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The 19-year-old forward was again one of the standout Germany players as the four-time World Cup champions played out a 1-1 draw against Spain on Sunday, November 27.

Pochettino has now hailed Musiala as one of the best young players currently in world football alongside Spain duo Gavi and Pedri.

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Chukwu Ikechukwu
Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a journalist with over 9 years of experience in the Nigerian media industry. He has worked both in Radio (Today FM, Rhythm FM, Wish FM) and Television (Silverbird TV) as a Sports Analyst..
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