Germany vs Argentina
It’s been over five years since Germany and Argentina clashed in the 2014 World Cup final, a match which the Germans dramatically won after extra time.
But a lot has changed since then, including the two squads. That much is evident in this upcoming international friendly in Dortmund.
The likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Thomas Muller, and Jerome Boateng will not be around. Instead, a new generation of promising young talents will be on display to prove themselves worthy of wearing the national team shirt.
The international friendly 2019 odds favour the Germans, who will be playing in front of their home fans. But despite their lack of star power, don’t discount the Argentines, who have an in-form striker on their side.
Talking Points
Germany bringing in new blood
There was much controversy stemming from Germany’s Euro qualifying action last month. After Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen voiced his disappointment at not being given the opportunity to play, he and captain Manuel Neuer exchanged some pointed comments at one another.
Bayern president Uli Hoeness also didn’t help matters by threatening not to release Bayern’s German players for the national team if Neuer were dropped in favour of ter Stegen.
In the latest international friendly 2019 news, Germany manager Joachim Low has confirmed ter Stegen will play against Argentina, but he remains Neuer’s backup. The Barca keeper could also have some new faces playing in front of him.
That’s because Loew has brought some relative newcomers in Hertha defender Niklas Stark, Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri, and Freiburg forward Luca Waldschmidt, as well as the Leipzig defensive duo of Lukas Klostermann and Marcel Halstenberg into the mix.
The Germans also have quite a youthful-looking squad in general with Neuer and Marco Reus the only ones age 30 or above.
Reus will likely lead the Germany attack along with Timo Werner and Serge Gnabry, who is fresh off his four-goal masterpiece in Bayern’s 7-2 thrashing of Tottenham in the Champions League.
The new-look German defence will have some question marks, particularly when it comes to Niklas Sule’s centre-back partner.
But their midfield remains loaded with talent with the likes of Tony Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan providing experience while Kai Havertz and Julian Brandt bring the exciting young talent.
Lautaro leading the Argentina attack
Argentina’s squad once again might look unrecognisable to the casual fan. With no Messi, Aguero, or Angel Di Maria, the Albiceleste are conspicuously short on the star names that many have been accustomed to over the years.
However, they do have a rising star in Lautaro Martinez. The Inter Milan striker has been a favourite of manager Lionel Scaloni and has had the chance to lead the line over the last few matches.
He certainly capitalised on that opportunity against Mexico as he scored a clinical first-half hat-trick in a 4-0 Argentina win. The 22-year-old has now scored an impressive nine goals in his first 13 caps.
Latuaro will likely be supported by Paulo Dybala upfront. The 25-year-old has struggled to live up to his potential at Juventus, but he still possesses immense talent and can be a match-winner on his day.
Elsewhere on the pitch, though, the Argentines don’t seem quite as impressive. Their defence is anchored by Nicolas Otamendi, who is still prone to some costly errors despite his experience.
And in midfield, they will still be missing Giovani Lo Celso, who has provided some much-needed quality and leadership.
History
Germany hold the slight edge over Argentina in terms of the overall head-to-head between the two giants of the international game. Die Mannschaft have 10 wins to the Albiceleste’s eight, while there have been four draws.
The last eight meetings have been quite even. Both teams have won three games apiece, with two draws.
Argentina got a bit of revenge on Germany for that World Cup final defeat as they won 4-2 in their most recent meeting in September 2014.
Betting Tip
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Germany vs Argentina | Germany 1X2 @ 1.91 |
| October 10, 02:45 (GMT+8) |
SBOBET odds have German as 1.91 favourites on the 1X2 market, with Argentina priced at 3.80 and the draw is 3.40.
While they have their share of concerns, Germany still possess the superior squad over Argentina. Their midfield, in particular, is markedly better. At the same time, they have enough attacking talent to take advantage of the Argentines’ defensive deficiencies.
With the pressure mounting on Jogi Low, expect the Germans to be the more assertive of the two sides as they look to put up an impressive performance in front of their home fans.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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