Group F at the World Cup in Russia kicks off on June 17th with the defending champions. Germany flexed their muscles in Brazil in 2014 to lift the World Cup and they’re one of the top favorites once again. They’ll take on Mexico, who are looking to finally break through past the round of 16.
What To Know About Germany
The Germans won their fourth World Cup in 2014 and they have finished in the top three at the World Cup and European Championships since 2008. They won their UEFA group to return to the World Cup and they’re still as deep as any team in the world. Manuel Neuer hopes to be back in goal after a broken foot, but Germany still has Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Jerome Boateng might miss out with a thigh injury, but Niklas Sule has been impressive in replacing him at Bayern Munich. Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira are still around as is Mesut Ozil, while Julian Draxler is ascending. Up front, Thomas Muller leads the way, but Sandro Wagner, Mario Gomez and Timo Werner are all capable. A player as good as Marco Reus might not even make the team, that is how loaded Germany is. The defending champions have a solid mix of experience and youth that will make them a dangerous team from the very beginning. Germany continues to be a powerhouse and they should challenge for their fifth World Cup in Russia.
What To Know About Mexico
Mexico has gone out in the round of 16 in each of the last six World Cups, and their best performances came at home in 1970 and 1986, when they hosted the tournament. They topped their CONCACAF group to get here and they’re led by Andres Guardado, their 31-year-old do-everything midfielder and captain. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is up front along with Carlos Vela and Oribe Peralta. But Mexico has some questions at the back as Carlos Salcedo is trying to come back from a broken collarbone in time for the World Cup. Mexico are also thinking about bringing back Rafael Marquez, who has played for his country 143 times. Marquez is well-respected, but at 39 years old, well past his prime. Guillermo Ochoa will be in goal for Mexico, but he’ll have to be at his best behind a suspect defense.
Outlook
Germany are favored at 1.45 to win their World Cup opener over Mexico, who are rated at 8.00 and a draw comes in at 4.20. Germany has won all three of their meetings against Mexico, starting with a 2-1 victory in the round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup. They have also won 4-3 and 4-1 over Mexico at the 2005 and 2017 Confederations Cups, respectively. Germany should win this game simply based on their talent and their gameplan, but they’re also much deeper than Mexico. This is also important to Mexico because in a group with Sweden and South Korea, they need all the points they can get. Germany should stroll to the win in this match and their biggest concern will be to avoid getting injured.
World Cup Betting Pick: Germany
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