Football Results

It was expected that both teams have by three points before their head-to-head, which winner qualifies for the round of 16. However, at the moment only Sweden is in such situation after winning South Korea 1-0, while Germany lost to Mexico by the same result and is under much stronger pressure. The Germans knew that Mexico can be tough nut to crack but they definitely didn’t foresee to lose without scoring a goal. The Swedes did their part of job although they too struggled a bit with the Koreans, and they won thanks to goal scored from penalty. The two teams met the last time in qualifications for the previous World Cup when even 16 goals were scored in those two matches.

Germany

It is not common that reigning world champion loses the first match at the World Cup but it was not the first time and the Germans must show their true colours. Germany seemed very powerful and practically invincible for a long time but now the alarm if off after defeat by Mexico. That was surprise but we need to go back to friendlies played in preparatory period which could give us a clue for what will happen in Moscow.  Three draws and two defeats, one by Austria after having a lead, were first sign of the Mannschaft weaknesses. The second warning was the last test when they struggled to defeat Saudi Arabia, which showed almost nothing in two matches in Russia.

Those warning obviously weren’t taken seriously and the Germans believed that will be themselves once the tournament starts. They definitely haven’t, although they could pull off a draw with a bit of luck. Still, there were too many weak spots individually despite fact that those 11 players on the pitch are considered as the strongest team. Plattenhardt played at the left flank instead of injujred J. Hector, and after the defeat everyone mentioned absence of forward L. Sane. Manager Lowe will probably make several changes for this match and J. Hector should return on the left flank, Gundogan could replace Khedir, while Reus might play instead of indisposed Ozil.

Probable lineups Germany: Neuer – Kimmich, J. Boateng, Hummels, J. Hector – Gundogan, T. Kroos – T. Muller, Reus, Draxler – Ti. Werner

Sweden

It can be said that the Swedes have done the easier part of job and that the real test is right around the corner. Of course, victory over South Korea didn’t come by itself and the Swedes in fact struggled, although they had the early warning in several great surprises in the first round. The one from their group is the most interesting for the Swedes but it didn’t make them happy as now they have to face shocked rival which desperately needs to win. The good thing for the Swedes is if they win they would qualify for the round of 16, but that is much easier said than done and draw would be very good option for them.

Match with South Korea was typical for this Scandinavian team that plays very good defence recently but has no problem to score goals. It all started in the qualification play-off when the Swedes eliminated Italy without conceding a single goal and scoring just one. Two last matches before going to Russia had ended as goalless draws, after which comes victory over South Korea 1-0, which means they haven’t received a goal in three consecutive matches. The team functioned well without injured stopper Lindelolf, who is back in the starting line-up now, while midfielder Larsson has problem with injury and instead of him Svensson might get chance.

Probable lineups Sweden: Olsen – Lustig, Granqvist, Lindelof, Augustinsson – Ekdal, Larsson (Svensson), Claesson, Forsberg – Berg, Toivonen

Verdict:

It is very uncomfortable situation for Germany which would be eliminated if it losses and the reigning champion of the world mustn’t allow something like that so we expect much better Mannschaft than in the first round. The Swedes are tough and one point would make them happy, but even if they lose they are not eliminated, but the situation in the group would be definitely complicated.

Pick: Asian handicap -1 Germany 1.87 - 87/100 @1XBet