2018 FIFA World Cup Prediction: Germany vs Mexico

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Verdict: Over 2,5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

Most pundits, experts and football fans believe Germany are one of the favourites to lift the 2018 FIFA World Cup title once it’s all said and done in Russia. And who could blame them? After all, they are the reigning champions, and shouldn’t have problems to make a deep run in the tournament considering the strength of their squad. They will begin their road to repeat their title this Sunday, when they take on Mexico at Luzhniki Stadium.

Germany

The reigning World Cup title holders are not on their best form heading into this game, as they recent results have been underwhelming, to say the least. Die Mannschaft ended their World Cup friendly tour with a win over Saudi Arabia, but at one point they went five straight games without a win (D3, L2) with two consecutive defeats against Brazil and Austria. The defeat against their neighbors certainly created cause for concern in the German camp, but they seem confident to leave their woes behind once the World Cup starts. After all, we are talking about a team that is absolutely loaded with talent. But at the same time, Germany need to show they can bounce back from an ugly stretch of results since they are not used to remain winless for a long period of time. With that in mind, this is going to be a tough contest for the German side.

Team News

Germany are at full strength ahead of this game.

Joachim Löw does have a few doubts to assemble the starting XI, though. It remains to be seen whether Marco Reus or Julian Draxler will start on the left wing, while Manuel Neuer seems to be set to win the starting GK duel with Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Mexico

Can anyone predict what will Mexico do during the World Cup? That seems to be the biggest question surrounding the CONCACAF giant at the moment. Even though El Tri once again features an impressive collection of talent where names such as Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera and former Manchester United star Javier Hernandez stand out, there are several doubts regarding what they can do against top opposition. With that in mind, this game against Germany will represent the perfect measure to see exactly where they are in terms of quality. Mexico have not reached the quarterfinals in a World Cup since they hosted the tournament back in 1986 and that seems to be the team’s primary goal, but for that to happen, they must start with a strong performance against Germany. Will they be able to come through against one of the best sides in the world? Or will they fold umder pressure, as it has been the trend during past tournaments? Considering they will take on Sweden and South Korea afterwards, winning – or not losing – against Germany could end up being the difference maker on their race to come alive out of the Group Stage.

Team News

Manager Juan Carlos Osorio has always been mysterious with his squads, and that is not going to change here. Not even the Mexican press are sure on how El Tri will line up heading into this game.

One thing to note is the fact that the team did suffer a late injury loss, as Diego Reyes has been taken off the squad due to physical problems. Erick Gutierrez was called up to replace him.

Key Factors to Consider

  • None of Mexico’s last seven matches have seen both teams score.
  • Germany have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches.
  • Die Mannschaft have a clear advantage in the head-to-head department against Mexico. They defeated them 4-1 in the Confederations Cup last year.
  • Also, Germany have won the five meetings between both teams across all competitions.
  • The last time these two sides faced each other in a World Cup was during France 1998. Germany won 2-1 after coming from behind thanks to goals from Jurgen Klinsmann and Oliver Bierhoff.
  • Four of the five meetings between these two sides have had over 2,5 goals.

Conclusion

Germany look like the best team on paper. However, Mexico can pull the upset if things click for them. And at the very least, they will make things difficult for the reigning World Cup champions.

Expect this game to be an intense battle – as it has been every time these two sides met. And we could certainly see over 2,5 goals scored.

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

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