Germany vs Japan
Four years ago Germany suffered their worst ignominy of recent times, failing to make it out of the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, and they followed that up with an early exit at Euro 2020, losing to England.
And now Hansi Flick’s side aim to put that right in Qatar.
The pre-tournament World Cup 2022 betting odds rate the Germans around sixth in the ranking of likely winners, behind the big four of Brazil, France, Argentina and Spain, and alongside England. And at SBOTOP odds of 1.49 to beat Japan in their opener on Wednesday they should make a winning start. But Japan head coach Hajime Morlyasu has some dangerous weapons in his armoury and Germany will need to be at their ruthless best when they open their account on Wednesday.
Talking Points
Germany’s strong spine
Hansi Flick has his team playing with an energetic high pressing game, the type we have seen from the best German teams in their domestic league and on the international stage in recent years. His forwards will defend from the front and attempt to turn over possession quickly.
Spearheading the attack and at 33 years of age FC Bayern forward Thomas Muller is as influential as ever and he loves a World Cup, scoring ten times in the competition finals though he drew a blank in 2018 and will be determined to put that right in Qatar. He’s already a World Cup winner and with a record 11 Bundesliga medals Muller is a serial winner.
And the Bayern man is at the head of an impressive spine with a healthy smattering of his club mates.
FC Bayern midfield ace Leon Goretzka will pull the strings behind the front men and will bring together a talented group which includes the experienced Ilkay Gundogan and boy wonder Jamal Musiala, who fans are desperate to see in the starting 11.
In the centre of defence Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger is a powerful presence and he is likely to line up alongside Borussia Dortmund’s Niklas Sule, while his BVB team-mate Nico Schlotterbeck will be ready to cover.
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is the last line of defence. With 114 international caps, a World Cup medal and Golden Glove award in 2014 and ten Bundesliga medals, like Muller he has won it all. Neuer is unflappable and any defence in the world would gain in confidence with the great man behind them.
Tomiyashi set to shine for Japan
Premier League fans will recognise Arsenal wing back Takehiro Tomiyasu in the Japan line-up, but he’s often recognised as a centre back in the international team. He’s well built for the job at 6ft 2in, quick in the tackle and with a good passing range. Tomiyasu is a quality player, appearing for a rapidly improving Arsenal 32 times since his £15m transfer in 2021, and representing Japan 29 times since his debut in 2018; and he may be the ideal partner for talismanic skipper Maya Yoshida, now playing for Schalke 04, but well known in England for his stint at Southampton.
Monaco striker Takumi Minamino is a livewire as he showed during his appearances for Liverpool and Southampton in the Premier League. A high energy player with dribbling skills and close control, Mimamino can link up play in the danger area. And Eintracht Frankfurt’s attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada is another player to watch; he has six goals in 22 internationals and has become one of the first names on the team sheet for his country and the Eagles.
History
Germany are World Cup royalty, leading the European charge with four tournament wins, in 1954, 1974, 1990 and most recently in 2014. But they will be very keen to avoid the embarrassment suffered in 2018, when they failed to make it out of their group.
Japan have reached the Round of 16 stage on three occasions, in 2002, 2010 and 2018 and, ranked 24th in the world they are a force to be reckoned with.
In terms of recent form, Germany have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games while Japan have won three, drawn two and lost one.
Betting Tip
If Japan manage to win this opener it will be one of the World Cup 2022 results of the group stages and will bring back the nightmares of 2018 to the Germany players. At 6.20 it is a big ask for Japan, and even the draw at 4.20 would take a huge effort.
But I wouldn’t rule it out as the underdogs have some serious talent in heir ranks. Germany have quality and experience but this is not a banker and I think the better value can be found in a game with two or three goals. The pressure is on Flick and his boys.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
