DOHA (Reuters) – Germany play Japan in the World Cup in Doha on Wednesday.
When: Wednesday Nov. 23, 1600 local (1300 GMT/0800 ET)
Where: Khalifa International Stadium
Capacity: 40,000
Odds:
Germany win: 4/9
Japan win: 6/1
Draw: 17/5
Key stats:
* Making their 20th World Cup appearance, Germany have won the title four times. After a surprise 1954 victory over favourites Hungary, they lifted the trophy as West Germany in 1974 and again in 1990 before their triumph at Brazil 2014.
* Japan did not play at a World Cup finals until 1998 but have qualified for all six editions since then, reaching the round of 16 three times.
* Germany crashed out in the opening stage as defending champions at the last World Cup, finishing bottom of their group after losses to Mexico and South Korea.
* Japan lost 3-2 to Belgium in the last 16 in Russia four years ago, giving up a two-goal lead and going out of the tournament to an injury time winner.
Previous meetings:
Germany and Japan have met twice in friendly internationals. Germany won the first 3-0 in Yokohama in 2004, while the second, a warm-up for the 2006 World Cup in Leverkusen, ended in a 2-2 draw.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Toby Chopra)
