2018 FIFA World Cup Prediction: Germany vs Sweden

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Verdict: Germany to score over 1,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The reigning World Champions, Germany, got off to a rocky start to their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign as they lost in their tournament opener against Mexico. However, Die Mannschaft have enough talent to potentially bounce back sooner than later. And they will have to flip their switch soon when taking on Sweden. Joachim Low’s men face this game as a must-win contest, because a loss – and a win from Mexico against South Korea – could potentially eliminate Germany. The game will kick off this Saturday at 19:00 hrs (BST) at Fisht Stadium in Sochi.

Germany

It is quite hard to explain what happened with Germany in the tournament opener against Mexico, as they constantly looked out of sync and ended losing 1-0 against an inferior side, at least on paper. This performance came in line with Germany’s recent outings, however, as the European giants have won just one of their last seven matches across all competitions (W1, D3, L3). Things have not been quite at Germany’s camp of late, but the team is not expected to struggle for a long period of time. They have just too much talent to not turn things around, and Sweden seems to be a perfect opponent for Germany to snap their negative streak where they have only defeated Saudi Arabia. A win is absolutely mandatory for Die Mannschaft, because that is the only result they can get to keep themselves alive in the tournament. A draw or even a loss would practically eliminate them from Russia 2018. And that would be an absolute shocker.

Team News

Germany are not at full strength ahead of this game, as one of the regular starters is doubtful for this match.

We are talking about Mats Hummels, as the Bayern centre-back might not play due to a neck injury. Niklas Sule could take his place as a replacement.

Sweden

Sweden did what they had to do in their 2018 FIFA World Cup opener, as they ended winning against South Korea by a tight 1-0 score. The game turned out to be more complicated than originally expected, though. However, there is no question that the Swedes deserved the three points. Can they repeat that kind of result against Germany, a much tougher opponent that is looking to bounce back following an ugly loss in their debut? That seems to be the question everyone is asking. For that to happen, Sweden will need to be far better because what they did against South Korea probably wouldn’t cut it. Recent results can make Sweden fans dream about a potential upset, though. The Scandinavian side has registered a three straight games without a defeat (W1, D2). Players like Emil Forsberg, Victor Lindelof and Ola Toivonen will need to be at their best to pull what would be a monumental upset for them.

Team News

Sweden are at full strength ahead of this game.

Manager Janne Andersson will likely repeat the same starting XI that defeated South Korea in the opener.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Sweden have not conceded a goal in each of their last three games across all competitions.
  • Germany have won just one of their last seven matches (W1, D3, L3) across all competitions.
  • These two sides have met four times at a World Cup tournament. Germany registered three wins and Sweden one in those contest.
  • If we expand the H2H record in competitive matches, then we can see Germany still hold an edge over their opponents. Germany have won eight of 12 competitive matches against Sweden (W8, D3, L1).
  • The reigning WC champion has failed to make it out of the Group Stage in three of the last four WC tournaments. Will Germany become the latest team to live that disappointment?

Conclusion

Sweden have enough talent to complicate Germany, that is not a secret. However, Germany are the better side overall. The reigning WC champions are also under heavy pressure following their defeat in the tournament opener against Mexico.

Expect Die Mannschaft to come out of this game looking to leave their defeat behind. As such, I believe they will easily score over 1,5 goals in this one.

Verdict: Germany to score over 1,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

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