STORY: After the 1-1 draw against Spain and the 1-2 defeat against Japan before that, national coach Hansi Flick is under noticeable pressure to deliver together with the DFB-Elf on Thursday, one might think. Because either it continues after the decisive, third group game – or it simply goes home for the Germans. When asked about the mood, the head coach countered quite relaxed on Wednesday. “What does pressure mean? To be in the situation to play a World Cup, that’s nice. And of course we also want to make it to the round of 16. That’s what we’re here for. But we’re going to play this game. We approach the game very seriously, with a high level of intensity. And yes, what happens when we see if it was enough in the end. And then I can still think about it, but I don’t feel any pressure at all. I have to I don’t feel the game against Japan, but I’m convinced that we’re on the right track.” And to a certain extent asked about his own path, Flick said: “I can confirm it from my side. I never know what else will come next, but I have a contract until 2024. And of course I’m looking forward to the home EM But that’s still a long way off Otherwise it’s the way we go into the game and of course we want to try to make the game clear as quickly as possible, also, I would say, then put a bit of pressure on another pitch too But that’s what we’re doing. But of course we also know that it will be very, very difficult against a team that will probably play very, very defensively. Nevertheless, we have to do it. And that’s how it works Of course, it’s also because we see exactly the same attitude on the pitch that we had in the game against Spain.” The DFB selection takes on Costa Rica on Thursday evening and is fighting for a place in the round of 16. However, the result of the parallel game between Spain and Japan also plays a role in Germany’s progress. Pressure or not, an early exit from Flick’s team is definitely possible.