The defending champions showed that they have the heart of a champion on Saturday. With their chances to defend their title slowing fading away, Germany erased a halftime deficit to pick up the three points they needed. Now, Germany is in a good position to make it to the knockout rounds. They simply need to win by two goals or more against South Korea on Wednesday. Winning by multiple goals is never easy, but if there’s one country that can do it, it’s Germany.
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 Kazan Arena in Kazan at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Germany -501
South Korea +1354
Draw +625
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
South Korea has not been at its best this World Cup. They were seen as the weakest team in Group F heading into the tournament, and they have looked the part. However, they still have a chance to make it to the knockout rounds with a win over Germany and a lot of help.
In their first match, the Taegeuk Warriors weren’t able to do much. South Korea was held without a shot on goal by Sweden in a 1-0 loss. Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo was phenomenal, keeping the scoreline from being 2-0 or 3-0, and that kept South Korea with something in the realm of possibility in terms of goal differential. Mexico was able to take advantage of them in the back as well, but Son Heung-Min pulled one back to make the score 2-1 when it was all said and done.
Germany looked woeful in their 1-0 loss to Mexico in their opener. They were unable to crack through Mexico’s back line and only had a number of chances. Meanwhile, Germany’s back line, particularly its outside backs, were continually caught out of position. Mexico made them pay once, and the final could have been worse.
With their backs against the wall, Germany managed to pick up an inspired 2-1 win over Sweden on Saturday. The Germans went into halftime down 1-0, but it all changed after that. Marco Reus found the back of the net three minutes into the frame, and his score sparked a furious rally. Things looked bleak for a bit after Jerome Boateng was sent off for his second yellow, but Toni Kroos sent the country into euphoria by striking just before the death.
Key Injuries
South Korea will be without their captain and leader for this match. Midfielder Ki Sung-yeung hurt his calf in the match against Mexico, and he has already been ruled out for this tilt. He is the team’s most capped player and not having his experience in the lineup will hurt.
There are more injuries to report on the side of Germany. Sebastian Rudy suffered a broken nose in the win over Sweden, and Mats Hummels sat out of the match because of a neck injury. Rudy has been declared out, while Hummels is questionable for this game. Not having Hummels would hurt, as Boateng will miss the match due to a red card suspension.
Player to Watch
Kroos is the hero of the day for Germany. He was the only player to perform well in the loss to Mexico, and his winning strike against Sweden is the stuff of legends. Head coach Joachim Loew has tinkered with his starting eleven often, but Kroos’ place is locked in given his form.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Germany are going to run away from South Korea in a hurry. They know they must run up the score in order to make it to the knockout rounds, and South Korea is not going to be able to stop them. It would take a phenomenal performance from Jo Hyeon-woo to keep South Korea within a goal here.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Germany 4, South Korea 1
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