Germany is looking to make history in a number of ways at this World Cup. Only one defending champion has been able to successfully defend its crown and claim consecutive titles. That was Brazil in 1958 and 1962. A German win would make them just the second team to do the trick, and it would also tie the country with Brazil for most all-time World Cup titles.
Mexico is hoping to escape its history. El Tri have been able to make it out of the Group Stage in six straight World Cups, an impressive feat. However, they have not been able to get out of the Round of 16 in any of those six times, losing some heartbreakers in the process. In Brazil, they conceded a stoppage time goal to the Netherlands in a loss, crushing their hopes once more. This country is hungry to turn things around.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 17, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Mexico +594
Germany -200
Draw +341
Over/Under 2.5
Recent Form
Mexico did not have any trouble getting through CONCACAF qualifying. They finished at the top of the table and had already locked up a spot in Russia months before the rest of the teams from the region.
Since then, El Tri have played in six friendlies. They were able to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in the first two, but then things skidded off the rails a bit. Mexico lost to Croatia 1-0 and fell to Denmark 2-0, and they were held to a goalless draw with Wales. Not being able to score in any of those three games is a concern, although they did fire 32 shots in a 1-0 win over Scotland two weeks ago.
Germany was able to easily best its group in European qualifying. However, they have only picked up one victory in a friendly this season. The Germans lost to both Brazil and Austria, drew against Spain, and were only able to defeat Saudi Arabia.
Player to Watch
A lot of Mexico’s offense will come from Chicharito. The West Ham forward has had a checkered career at the club level, but he has always been at his best playing for the red, white, and green. He is Mexico’s all-time leading goal scorer, averaging a goal nearly every other game, and he just eclipsed 100 caps with the national team too.
Chicharito has great pace and moves well off the ball. He is able to use his quickness to find open positions, but he doesn’t always finish well. He makes up for it by poaching goals as he is in the right place in the right time a lot, and those instincts will need to be fine tuned for this match.
Matchup to Watch
Germany has the most talented midfield in the world. There isn’t a country that can compare in terms of depth and skill, and Mexico is going to have a hard time finding a way to effectively combat this group. Mesut Ozil is a fantastic playmaker, while Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos are two of the best at doing the little things. Julian Draxler provides youth and speed, and the reserves are phenomenal too. It’s really a spoil of riches for Joachim Low.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
It’s hard to call for a Mexico win here. These sides met almost a year ago in Russia for the Confederations Cup, with Germany’s second-team blasting Mexico’s first-team 4-1. Germany will have a much more talented team this time around, and although it won’t be the same result, it will still be a friend.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Germany 2, Mexico 1
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