FULL FOCUS ON FIRST 'FINAL'

Flick exhorts Germans to play with courage against Spain or risk another early exit

Germany coach Hansi Flick did not want his players to waste time away from the training pitch following their chastening defeat by Japan on Wednesday, which was why he attended his press conference on Saturday alone and without a key player beside him unlike all other teams at this World Cup.

"I came by myself to the presser because we didn't want any player to spend almost three hours in the car. That's why I said I'll do it alone.

All 26 players are important, so I don't have a player with me here.

We put our full focus on the game," he said ahead of a vital clash with Spain on Sunday.

"The focus is on concentration.

This is the first 'final' for us at the World Cup and that's what it's about." The Germans are facing a second consecutive World Cup first-round exit when they take on the Spaniards, with Flick working overtime to pick his players up off the floor after their shock 2-1 loss to Japan in their Group E opener.

Spain lead the group on three points, ahead of Japan on goal difference, while Germany and Costa Rica are yet to pick up a point.

If Germany lose again on Sunday, they would no longer be able to qualify if Costa Rica fail to win against Japan.