Bayern Munich: Leroy Sane fit to start for Germany against Costa Rica
Germany kept their hopes alive for qualifying in the knockout round of the World Cup 2022 by scoring a late equaliser against Spain on Sunday. Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala had set up Niclas Fulkrug’s maiden goal for Germany to bring parity with the Spanish team in the 83rd minute.
Hansi Flick’s substitutes made a great impact in brief cameos against Spain. Leroy Sane was one of the triple substitutes, Fulkrug and Lukas Klostermann being the other two that brought impetus to Germany’s play higher up the pitch.
Sane was particularly lively in the final third for Germany. He was taking on players and creating chances for his teammates. The Bayern forward played a beautiful reverse pass to set up a very big chance for Musiala, but Unai Simon managed to make a terrific save to deny the teenager.
The lively 20-minute cameo against Spain was Sane’s first appearance in World Cup 2022. The German forward missed the game against Japan due to a knee issue. While talking to the media after the draw against Spain (via Sport1), Leroy Sane insisted that he has no pain in the knee and declared himself fit to start against Costa Rica later this week.
"“My knee is doing better. I think I can start games again.”"
Considering the positive impact Sane had on Germany’s attack against Spain, it will not be surprising to see him start against Costa Rica. Ilkay Gundogan may have to make way for his former Manchester City teammate in the front four. Serge Gnabry, Musiala, Sane, and Thomas Muller could become a fluid front four and cause problems for the opposition’s defense.
Leroy Sane has been in fine form for Bayern this season. The 26-year-old forward has been Die Roten’s best player in the Champions League. He has scored four goals and provided two assists in four Champions League group games. The German forward has enjoyed a good record in the final third this season, contributing to ten goals and six assists across all competitions.
Germany will hope that Sane will make them more potent in the final third. Musiala and Sane combined well on several occasions during the final 20 minutes of the game against Spain. Flick should try to utilise this dynamic duo more often to solve Germany’s woes in the final third.
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The late goal against Spain allows Germany to go in much better shape against Costa Rica. They need a comprehensive win against Costa Rica, along with a win for Spain against Japan, to book a place in the next round of the World Cup 2022.