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It could hardly get any better in the World Cup semifinals, as we are about to see a mouthwatering clash between Brazil and Germany. I feel there are some great betting opportunities as well, so let`s get going with the analysis.
I would say that Brazil has played so-so until now, and I reckon you will agree with me. The South Americans did the job but did not impress and were almost knocked out by Chile in the Round 16. However, they are coming after one of their best matches of the tournament a 2-1 win over in-form Colombia, albeit the visitors could have gone to extra time with a little bit of luck. Overall Brazil is playing good football but not great, they lack the individual talent they had in the past (especially up front) and are benefiting a lot from being the host nation.
Germany continues to be my favorite to win the World Cup, despite struggling a little bit in the games against Ghana (group stage) and especially Algeria (Round 16). The Panzers have arguably the most balanced and cohesive team remaining in the competition and by no means do they lack individual quality, actually having better players than Brazil. Germany is on the back of a convincing 1-0 win over a very strong France side, so Low`s side will enter this game full of confidence.
Team news & lineups
While Germany will only miss Mustafi + Mertesacker slightily doubtful, Brazil has huge squad problems for this game. The South Americans will miss captain Thiago Silva and Neymar (very lucky to escape a drama after Zuniga’s idiotic challenge), arguably their 2 best players. Additionally, Neymar’s replacement, Willian, is doubtful. Brazill will have to break their strongest asset, the Silva – Luiz partnership, and they will face the challenge of replacing Neymar, the man that carried their shaky offense so far in the World Cup.
Brazil: Cesar – Alves, Luiz, Dante, Marcelo – Gustavo, Fernandinho – Bernard (Willian), Oscar, Hulk – Fred.
Germany: Neuer – Lahm, Hummels, Mertesacker, Höwedes – Khedira, Schweinsteiger – Kroos, Özil, Müller – Götze.
Germany looks like a stronger side than Brazil overall, and they played better football in this tournament. Brazil does have the home court advantage and is still a side to be reckoned with, but their absentees in this match may well be ireplaceable. The South Americans gave the impression that they are depending on 3-4 players in this World Cup, Neymar and Thiago Silva being 2 of them, along with David Luiz and maybe Luis Gustavo. I can see Brazil struggling big-time to create danger up front without Neymar, while Germany`s fast and versatile attacking setup will surely create a number of opportunities, especially with Silva missing from Brazil’s back line. My analysis suggests Germany should win this in regular time, but for a little bit more safety my tip will be Germany to qualify. The under might also be a decent bet, but the odds are way too low. Prediction: Brazil – Germany 0-1.
Pick: Germany to qualify
Odds: 1.91 @ Bet365
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 8.19
Event date: 8 July
I agree with your prediction. I think Germany will be too much for the shaky Brasilian team. I think Willian will play, I like him a lot, but I don’t know if he is the right man for the job. He is more a player that likes to create chances for others, not to score. Also he is not very fast, so I dont know if it’s a good idea to use him on the right.
Thiago Silva’s absence is a big blow.
he is truly world class, the others are not world class defenders.
Scolari noticed that they forget their duties, so he used Maicon instead of Alves in the last matches, but even Maicon is old.
If Germany will use the same starting line-up as they did vs France, they will qualify.
I hope Low does not experiment any more with Lahm as a defensive midfielder.
Mertesacker’s absence is not a big one. I don’t even know if he is truly injured or if Boateng is preferred.
good input. Yes, my presented lineups could suffer exactly the changes you specified, it`s 1-2 players here and there.
Germany by 1 goal looks a good option for me, Germany in 90 minutes can return better profit
5-0 in minutul 30… Cine s-ar fi putut gandi la un asemenea rezultat. Nemtii fac pana acum un meci uluitor.
indeed man, who would have thought? and congrats on your pick – but next time, comment in english please :).