Saturday 23rd June at 21:00 local time is when you need to be ready to watch the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group F game between Germany and Sweden at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi.
Germany know realistically they have to defeat Sweden. A draw would leave them able to secure a maximum of four points and it would leave their fate out of their own hands as Mexico take on Sweden in the final group games.
A defeat at the hands of Sweden would essentially end the reigning champions’ title defense.
Sweden have struggled for goals of late but Germany’s defense has leaked at least one goal per game for the past seven matches. The Swedes know that a draw would put them in pole position to qualify, but would also probably require them to beat Mexico in their final game. A Swedish victory, which is not out of the realm of possibility, should see the Scandinavians through to the knockout stages.
Germany are the masters of tournament football so we can see them getting the job done against Sweden, but not before Sweden give them a scare or two. Both teams to score and Germany to win at +250 seems like decent value.
Germany vs Sweden Key Bites
It is almost unthinkable to consider the knockout stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup not featuring Germany but that is exactly what could happen if this match does not go their way.
Germany lost 1-0 to Mexico in their opening match and it was the manner in which they were defeated that was worrying for German fans. The Germany team, littered with some of the biggest names in world football, seem to lack class and composure that is associated with them.
Their midfield, which is usually Germany’s strongest area of the pitch thanks to the likes of Toni Kroos and Mezut Ozil playing there, was completely over-run and they were unable to provide any protection for their defense from Mexico’s quick counter-attacks.
Mexico could quite easily have been three goals to the good by half time and the Germans could not find a way through an organized and determined Mexican defense.
Germany threw men forwards in an attempt to find a goal with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer heading to the Mexican penalty area in the latter stages. Their attempts proved futile. Germany had made 26 shots by the end of the 90-minutes, only nine were on target.
Sweden ended a run of six games without a win by beating Korea republic 1-0 courtesy of a penalty by Andreas Granqvist. This was also the first goal that Sweden had scored in 402 minutes of football.
Marcus Berg, Sweden’s top scorer during qualifying, failed to find the back of he net for the fifth consecutive game, but should keep his place in the starting XI for the Germany game. The Panathinaikos striker averages a goal every other game so is due to score; he would become an even bigger hero if he could score the goal that essentially ends Germany’s World Cup campaign.
While many neutral fans would like to see Sweden win this game as people love an underdog story, the Germans are experts when it comes to tournament football and you can bet your bottom dollar that they will be up for the fight in this fixture.
Germany are -210 to win the game outright but the Germany to win and both teams to score market at +25 is good value, as is Germany to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 at +150. If you think the Swedes can thwart Germany and hold them to a draw, look at the 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3 draw priced at +450.
Category : Betting Picks
Tag : FIFA World Cup , Soccer
More articles...
NFL Draft 2024 Prop Bets: Dallas Turner to be first drafted defensive player
Carolina Hurricanes favorites to win NHL Stanley Cup 2024
Boston Celtics favorites to win NBA Championships 2024
Best UFC 300 Bets: Alex Pereira vs Jamahal Hill Picks
Grand National 2024: Corach Rambler and Mahler Mission lead deep field
