The second match of the three in the World Cup on Sunday afternoon sees the defending champions Germany beginning their title defence against a classy Mexico side in what is a repeat of the Confederations Cup semi-final of 12 months ago.
This looks to be the standout fixture in Group F and looks to be a good way to get the section underway. Hopefully both sides will come out and play and we’ll see a good game but either way there are some good players on show.
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Germany
There is no doubt that the Germans are feared more than any other nation when it comes to a major tournament. To be fair they have reached at least the semi-final in each of the last six which is a pretty incredible record it must be said. They are a much changed side from the one which won in Rio four years ago and they need to prove they retain the same quality.
I think in attacking areas they are decent enough. The fact they can leave someone like Leroy Sane at home says wonders about the attacking prowess that they have. We can’t ignore that there are defensive issues that were highlighted in the friendly matches they played warming up for the tournament. Conceding goals to Saudi Arabia is not good.
Mexico
I always think Mexico have the potential to be genuine dangers at the deep end of these tournaments but in this one in particular, they get to the last 16 and that’s all she wrote. They will be out to do better than that here and in a weird sort of way in my own head I have this as a weaker side than ones they’ve turned up with, on paper at least, before, which might give them a better chance of going deep.
The one thing we know about any Mexico side is they are going to be organised, physical and tough in the tackle but they carry flair, especially in the wider areas, and if their creative and attacking players have a big game then it would not be beyond them to really trouble the world champions in this contest.
Team News
Mesut Ozil missed the friendly against Saudi Arabia with a knee issue but that is sorted and he is fit to feature. Marco Reus and Julian Draxler are said to be battling it out for one spot in the side with the former potentially likely to be preferred.
Mexico suffered a late issue with Diego Reyes, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury. That could see a start for the veteran Rafael Marquez while all eyes will be on forward areas to see if Chicarito and Giovani Dos Santos both start.
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Betting
I have to admit I really don’t know what I make of Germany going into this tournament. I don’t want to think they are strong but then it would be foolish to write them off with their record in these things so I’m going to take largely a watching brief of this one but there is a bet I do like.
With an Iranian referee in charge of this match who averages comfortably more than four cards per match I’m expecting a few bookings here. I expect this to be extremely competitive if for no other reason than the losers could be hurtling into Brazil in the second round so the tackles should fly in. Mexico pick up a lot of cards anyway while Germany are no saints. There are a lot of creative players with pace and trickery on show here so over 3 cards appeals to me.
Tips
WON – Back Over 3 cards (AH) for a 4/10 stake at 1.95 with Fun88
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