Germany may have the favorite?s tag in Group D but reaching the knockout stages will be far from easy.
How they got here
Germany dominated the competition in the qualifiers, posting an unbeaten record to secure an automatic place in the 2010 World Cup. After beating Liechtenstein 6-0 on the road, Germany slipped to a 3-3 draw away to Finland in its second game. The three-time World Champions responded in style, posting seven straight victories while conceding just one goal in the process. This included victory both at home and on the road against Russia. Germany closed out the campaign with a 1-1 draw against Finland, having scoring 26 goals and conceding just 5 in 10 games.
Who to watch
At 33 this is likely the last World Cup for captain Michael Ballack but after near-misses in 2002 and 2006, the Chelsea midfielder surely has one last big effort in him. Unlike past campaigns where Ballack essentially was the German team, he has some help. The core of Germany?s star power comes from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Defender Philipp Lahm, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, and attacker Mario Gomes are all hitting the peak of their careers and could have a massive impact on this World Cup. Two attackers of Polish descent will also have a big say in Germany?s quest for a fourth World Cup title. Veteran Miroslav Klose, another Bayern star, and FC Koln?s Lukas Podolski are proven goal scorers at club and international level.
While some of their group rivals may be able to match Germany?s starting line-up, none will be able to match their quality on the bench so keep that depth in mind when considering World Cup betting options.
How they will perform
No team in Group D is as loaded in talent as Germany but ability alone won?t guarantee progress to the second round. The opener against Australia is crucial. If Germany can get off to a winning start against what, on paper, is the weakest team in the group then they can set the tempo for the other two games.
This is a team which is built to thrive under pressure. I expect Germany to get the result they need against Australia and at least a draw against Serbia, probably a win and set up a situation where qualification is almost assured entering the final game against Ghana. They?ll get what is necessary from that game and progress to the knockout rounds and it will be tough to bet against them in a win-or-go-home scenario.
For the best World Cup odds check out Sports Interaction?s online sports book.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How they got here
Germany dominated the competition in the qualifiers, posting an unbeaten record to secure an automatic place in the 2010 World Cup. After beating Liechtenstein 6-0 on the road, Germany slipped to a 3-3 draw away to Finland in its second game. The three-time World Champions responded in style, posting seven straight victories while conceding just one goal in the process. This included victory both at home and on the road against Russia. Germany closed out the campaign with a 1-1 draw against Finland, having scoring 26 goals and conceding just 5 in 10 games.
Who to watch
At 33 this is likely the last World Cup for captain Michael Ballack but after near-misses in 2002 and 2006, the Chelsea midfielder surely has one last big effort in him. Unlike past campaigns where Ballack essentially was the German team, he has some help. The core of Germany?s star power comes from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Defender Philipp Lahm, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, and attacker Mario Gomes are all hitting the peak of their careers and could have a massive impact on this World Cup. Two attackers of Polish descent will also have a big say in Germany?s quest for a fourth World Cup title. Veteran Miroslav Klose, another Bayern star, and FC Koln?s Lukas Podolski are proven goal scorers at club and international level.
While some of their group rivals may be able to match Germany?s starting line-up, none will be able to match their quality on the bench so keep that depth in mind when considering World Cup betting options.
How they will perform
No team in Group D is as loaded in talent as Germany but ability alone won?t guarantee progress to the second round. The opener against Australia is crucial. If Germany can get off to a winning start against what, on paper, is the weakest team in the group then they can set the tempo for the other two games.
This is a team which is built to thrive under pressure. I expect Germany to get the result they need against Australia and at least a draw against Serbia, probably a win and set up a situation where qualification is almost assured entering the final game against Ghana. They?ll get what is necessary from that game and progress to the knockout rounds and it will be tough to bet against them in a win-or-go-home scenario.
For the best World Cup odds check out Sports Interaction?s online sports book.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
