World Cup 2014 Team Spotlight – Germany
This year’s German World Cup team can pretty much be summed up with just one word — GOALS! And lots of them too, as they cruised through their WC qualifying campaign with ease, managing 36 goals in 10 games. Precisely why they are favored to go all the way by odd makers, and win it all this summer in Brazil.
Group G: Germany, Portugal, USA, Ghana
FIFA Ranking: 2
Odds to win: +500
Jun 16 v Portugal, Jun 21 v Ghana, Jun 26 v USA
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The Germans are currently the third favorites to lift the trophy for the fourth time in World Cup betting, and it appears that they have every component necessary to reconcile a poor showing in Euro 2012.
Nevertheless, nothing is ever a sure thing when it comes to winning or losing on soccer’s biggest platform, and if there is one thing that could spoil Germany’s chances in Brazil, it would have to be its leaky backfield, which led to some pretty hair-raising scorelines during their World Cup qualifying run.
Still, Germany’s defenders held the likes of Sweden, Austria and the Republic of Ireland to very little, beating Ireland 6-1 in Dublin, and Sweden 5-3 in Solna, conceding just eight goals over 10 matches and shutting out opponents five times.
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The Germans will begin this year’s tournament with what is sure to be a pivotal game against Portugal a game that will more than likely decide who finishes top in the group, and end in a draw.
They will then take on Ghana who they beat 1-nil in South Africa in 2010, before finishing up the group stage with a match against the Americans, who will be no pushover.
A key component to their success will pivot on play of midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who played a enormous role in leading Bayern Munich to record breaking 2012-13 season. The 29-year-old has collected five Bundesliga titles, five German Cups and two League Cups during his career.
He is often perceived to have an arrogant streak and his impulsive nature has got him into trouble in the past. Something manager Joachim Low will need to make sure he controls.
There is plenty of young attacking talent in the German squad and Low will need to balance out his attack, making sure none of his players are overshadowed.
Matt’s Free Prediction – Runners up
Perhaps the most successful team in World Cup history, Germany appeared in 17 out of 19 World Cups, reaching the semifinals in nine of the last 12 World Cups, and only failed to reach the quarter finals one time.
They’re in a tough group, but I expect Germany to finish in first place, possibly on a goal difference over Portugal.
From there I expect them to move out of the second round and then knock out their opponent in the semifinals.
Facing the likes of Brazil or Argentina in the final, I expect the German backline to bend just enough under pressure, causing them to come up short in the final.
