France vs Germany Prediction – July 4
European Football Giants Clash – France and Germany Meet in the Quarters
It hasn’t exactly been a banner World Cup for European teams and another one will go home Friday after France and Germany collide Friday. [ad-1519080]
France vs. Germany
Where: Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: Friday, July 4, 2014, 12:00 PM ET
France vs. Germany Betting Lines
Germany pk -150 +140 Ov 2½ +115
France pk +130 +190 Un 2½ -135
Draw +230
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Both teams started their World Cup quests in impressive fashion but have cooled slightly as the tournament has worn on – both are coming off very tough Round of 16 games against the two African teams to qualify outside of the Group Stage.
France looked like a serious contender in their first two games of World Cup 2014 – they scored eight goals en route to impressive wins against Honduras and Switzerland but tough games against Ecuador, a 0-0 draw and finally a hard fought 2-0 win against Nigeria last time out has taken a little luster off the French.
Midfielder Paul Pogba has been a nightmare so far for opposing defenses and threatens to be against a German defense that is not well suited to handle his speed and power.
Karim Benzema (three goals so far in the tournament) should bounce back after an unflattering outing against Nigeria and Antoine Griezmann should be back in the starting lineup giving the French an outside presence they were missing against the African squad.
Patrice Erva has been good up front for France and Mathieu Valnuena has been a consistent threat for the French moving forward.
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France should have their chances against Germany`s questionable defense especially is Mats Hummels is force to sit again. It`s just a matter of converting – something the French have had troubles doing the last couple of games.
The Germans, like the French started strong – blowing out Portugal 4-0 but have looked just OK since – drawing Ghana 2-2, narrowly beating USA 1-0, and surviving several scares to beat Algeria 2-1 in extra time.
Thomas Mueller scored three against Portugal but has netted just one goal since.
He’s been dangerous but the Germans need him to bury his chances with greater regularity of face the prospect of going home early.
Germany still has the likes of Mario Gotze, Mesut Ozil, Andre Schurrle, Lukas Podolski, and of course – the World Cup’s co-leading goal scorer of all-time, Miroslav Klose. Not too bad!
While there hasn’t been a whole lot wrong with Germany’s offense, the defense has struggled mightily at times – they have looked disorganized, slow and unfit at various time in the tournament – not a good sign with France on the horizon! Midfielder Philipp Lahm has been OK but his shortcomings have been a tad exploited by Germany’s play in the back end.
Does Lahm move all the way back to help his struggling defenders or does he keep playing in the middle of the park – where he is at his best.
World Cup – Quarter Final Betting Prediction:
This is one of the toughest game to call so far – both teams will be very motivated yet each have their own issues ahead of Friday`s match. The biggest mismatch on paper looks like Paul Pogba going up against the Germans midfield and defense – Germany simply doesn`t have the physicality to deal with him.
In a game that looks so razor close, it forces us to look deep into the matchups.
I like France in this one – Germany`s defense is not nearly as organized as they should be at this point of the tournament. Defending is a weakness for Germany – I can`t see too many weaknesses for the French.
Pick: France +140
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