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Part two of the serious stuff
After a dominant performance from Argentina and Denmark in the first half of the World Cup of kits group stage, the second half equally packs some surprises. Here’s an up-close look at kits from the next 16 countries taking part in Qatar, including a string of teams undone by their underwhelming away kits and what just might be the kit of the tournament so far.
Group E
Home: 6/10
It's a pretty simple affair for Spain, with a "Power Red" home shirt with hardly any details on it. The secondary colours gain the shirt a couple extra points, including the navy trim and yellow detailing on the collar, crest and adidas' simplified logo.
Away: 7/10
The simplicity of Spain's home kit is contrasted with their away kit, which takes inspiration from art deco design. The sky blue shirt is covered with an abstract wave pattern and finished with adidas' Three Stripes in the colours of the Spanish flag. The final touch is the central crest in red and yellow.
Total: 13/20
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Home: 4/10
There is hardly anything to say about Costa Rica’s home shirt. It's plain red with thick blue stripes around each sleeve. All of Costa Rica’s World Cup appearances have featured pretty simple kits, but this is maybe the most basic of them all.
Away: 4/10
The away kit is equally as dull as the home, with white replacing red for the majority of the shirt, although the thick blue stripes return. In terms of kit, as well as actual football, Costa Rica has got a tough group, but it looks like they’re going out without putting up much of a fight.
Total: 8/20
Home: 8/10
Germany has a history of great World Cup kits – in 1990 they had arguably the best two shirts ever worn at the tournament – and this is another strong effort. This shirt doesn’t quite reach those lofty heights, but the central black stripe, metallic gold detailing and the subtle trim in the colours of the German flag all contribute to a quality design.
Away: 9/10
While the home shirt is good, the away shirt is great. It is covered with an abstract pattern that is based on the D in Deutschland, which has then been blurred to create an eye-catching print. The colour combination is also first class, a black base finished with maroon and hits of gold.
Total: 17/20
Home: 10/10
The Japan home shirt is probably the best shirt in the tournament, so they can expect to go far in the World Cup of Kits. It comes in the country’s signature blue colour, and is covered with a graphic representing origami cranes and the idea that creating 1000 origami models allows a wish to be granted. It goes without saying what Japan will be wishing for this year.
Away: 8/10
Japan’s away shirt continues with the origami metaphor, with colourful cranes across the shoulders. Other than that, it's pretty plain – a white base and black trim – but that allows the shoulder pattern to take centre stage. A strong showing from Japan across the two kits.
Total: 18/20