Germany – Portugal

High profile clash between the odds-on favorites Germany and Portugal in the Group F opener, which also features Ghana and the United States of America.

Germany is one of the top 4 favorites to win the World Cup and I have to say I fancy their chances a lot. The Germans have lost just 1 game from the last 21, they are playing excellent offensive football and are arguably the best counterattacking team in the World right now. Germany struggled a little bit in the pre – World Cup friendlies, but a 6-1 win against Armenia in their last game surely provided the necessary boost of morale and confidence prior to the competition.

Looking at Portugal’s recent results you will most likely be impressed, 6 wins in 7 matches, including a 5-1 destruction of Ireland in the last friendly prior to the World Cup. However, Portugal still lacks that killer instinct and is the same side as in last years, a team that is just not at the same level with the top guys. I saw a couple of very poor matches from Portugal lately despite their 6 wins in 7 matches, and it`s obvious that they area heavily dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo, who has yet to regain full fitness. Don`t get me wrong, Portugal is a very good team, but I would not tip them to do much damage in this World Cup.

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Team news & lineups

Manuel Neuer was a doubt for Germany but he was cleared to play, while Portugal will sweat over the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real Madrid winger still hasn`t recovered completely from his knee issue, but he will probably be forced in the starting lineup anyway.

Germany: Neuer – Boateng, Hummels, Mertesacker, Hoewedes – Khedira, Lahm – Kroos, Özil, Podolski – Müller.

Portugal: Patricio – Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Coentrao – Veloso, Moutinho, Meireles – Ronaldo, Almeida, Nani.

Portugal has some quality players, no doubt about that, but they lack a couple of things to make them a top level team: a striker, a keeper, and better chemistry. A football machine like Germany should be able to speculate these shortcomings, especially with Ronaldo still struggling with his knee issue. Portugal usually has problems creating chances even against lesser teams when Ronaldo is out, so it won`t be easy for them today. I don`t expect an unfit Cristiano to have a big impact against a quality, disciplined side like the Manschafft. Expect Germany to outplay Portugal in this one. My tip is Germany to win. Prediction: Germany – Portugal 2-1.

Pick: Germany
Odds: 2.15 @ Unibet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 8.05
Event date: 16 June