France – Germany

A place in the World Cup semifinals is up for grabs when France meets rivals Germany in this mouthwatering QF clash.

France has been one of the most consistent team so far in the World Cup. Three wins and one (meaningless) draw for Les Bleus, a lot of goals, a lot of scoring chances and especially great defense. Deschamps’ side is simply rock solid at the back, conceding just 3 goals in the last 9 matches, and two of them were allowed at the end of the game against Switzerland, when the score was already 5-0. Nevertheless, France did show weaknesses – their scoring chances usually come in bunches, and there are long periods when they can’t create anything. Against a solid defensive team (see Nigeria), they struggle. Chemistry also seems to suffer a bit at times, and the general feeling is that France just lacks that special something to be among the favorites in this tournament.

Germany is my favorite to win the World Cup, but I have to admit that the latest performances of the Panzers were a little bit disappointing. Ok, the 2-2 against Ghana was a great game played on counters, the 1-0 against USA saw a pragmatic approach from Germany, but I expected more from them against Algeria. The Africans deserved their 0-0 draw in regular time and could have reached the penalties with a lot of luck. Germany is still a solid side and a favorite to lift the trophy, but in the last 2 matches they chose a more defensive approach, and I believe that will also be the case today.

Bet with the best odds and highest limits at Pinnacle.

Team news & lineups

No injuries or suspensions for either side ahead of this clash.

France: Lloris – Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra – Matuidi, Cabaye, Pogba – Valbuena, Benzema, Griezman.

Germany: Neuer – Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes – Schweinsteiger, Lahm – Kroos, Özil, Müller – Götze.

The stakes are huge, and we could see in the Round 16 how prudent and careful all teams approached their matches. I expect nothing less today, especially given the fact that it`s a very balanced encounter. Expect Germany to have problems creating chances against France’s air tight defense, while the Panzers are strong enough at the back themselves to make France struggle up front again. We shouldn`t see too many scoring opportunities and the under looks great. For better odds and because I believe this could even finish 0-0, my tip is under 1,75 goals to be scored (half of the stake returned if we will see exactly 2 goals). In the 1×2 market, Germany to win would be my choice, but it would be a riskier bet than the under. Prediction: France – Germany 0-1.

Pick: under 1,75 goals
Odds: 2.58 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 11.06
Event date: 4 July