Germany vs Spain
They have each won the European Championship three times, they are traditionally two of the favourites whenever a major international tournament begins, and they have a history.
When two giants like Germany and Spain collide, the world tends to watch and this UEFA Nations League clash in the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart should be no different.
But with two much-changed squads, can we expect UEFA Nations League 2020 highlights of the quality these two proud footballing nations would usually provide?
Talking Points
Both certainly have incentives to improve.
Germany suffered the embarrassment of a group stage exit at the 2018 World Cup and their form has been mixed ever since, including defeats to Holland in both the UEFA Nations League and Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Not only do they face a tough assignment in the Nations League but also in the rescheduled Euro 2020, where world champions France and European champions Portugal are among their opponents next summer.
Therefore, some much-needed ranking points will surely help head coach Joachim Low, who is under pressure after two underwhelming campaigns on the trot.
Low was considered by some as fortunate to have held onto his job and now will feel it is his time to repay the trust placed in him by German football chiefs.
He has not called up most of Bayern Munich’s stars, so soon after their successful Champions League campaign. Instead, Low has spoken of the need for cooperation between clubs and national teams to ensure players do not become burnt out in what is going to be a crammed two years of football.
That means the only Bayern representatives in this Germany squad are Niklas Sule and new signing Leroy Sane.
There are also first call-ups for Atalanta wing-back Robin Gosens and Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus.
Spain also have a new look as Luis Enrique effectively begins a new era.
Their inaugural Nations League ended in real disappointment as they finished second to England and missed out on a place in the finals, something that will surely be their aim this time around.
Unbeaten in 11 matches since a 3-2 loss at the hands of Croatia, the likes of Barcelona teenager Ansu Fati and Manchester City’s new recruit Ferran Torres have been called up to an attacking line that is yet to be tested at international level.
Young defenders Eric Garcia and Pau Torres have also been added to the squad, along with the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon.
In contrast, the experienced Jordi Alba, Saul Niguez, Alvaro Morata, Isco and Diego Costa have all been left out.
Wolves winger Adama Traore had also been included but he is the second player to drop out, along with Mikel Oyarzabal, after testing positive for Covid-19.
Some interesting stats to finish:
As well as Thiago and Dani Olmo, Spain right-back Dani Carvajal has also plied his trade in the Bundesliga, playing 32 games on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the 2012/13 campaign.
With 16 major honours with Bayern, Thiago is the second-most decorated Spaniard in the history of German football. Javi Martinez – uncapped since June 2014 – has won the most, collecting 20 trophies with the Bavarian juggernaut.
History
Germany’s record in 23 senior meetings with Spain is won nine, drawn seven, lost seven.
The countries last met two years ago in a friendly in Dusseldorf which ended 1-1 after new Leeds United signing Rodrigo and recent Champions League winner Thomas Muller traded goals.
Their only two competitive encounters over the last quarter of a century have both been huge and have both gone Spain’s way.
They saw off Germany by a solitary Carles Puyol goal in the 2010 World Cup semi-final, just two years after clinching Euro 2008 to end their long wait for honours.
Their very first meeting was a friendly in 1935 when two goals from Isidro Langara earned Spain a 2-1 success.
Betting Tip
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Germany vs Spain | 1X2 Germany @ 2.39 |
| Sept 04, 02:45 (GMT+8) |
The SBOTOP UEFA Nations League 2020 betting odds lean towards a home success but only just.
You can back Germany 1X2 @ 2.39 or with Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.12. Spain are available to tip 1X2 @ 2.81 or Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.12.
The draw @ 3.25 has a definite appeal, as does a repeat of their last meeting – correct score 1-1 – @ 5.40.
I am plumping for the Germans to edge this with a three-star prediction of Germany 1X2 @ 2.39.
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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