Germany vs Mexico 2018 World Cup Group F Betting

The top two teams in Group F of the World Cup are Germany, the defending World Cup champion, and Mexico, the only team from North America in this year’s field. The two face off Sunday to kick off group stage play and an upset for the Mexicans practically punches their ticket to the next round.

Germany vs Mexico 2018 World Cup Group F Betting Preview

When: Sunday, 11 AM ET Where: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow 2018 World Cup Odds: Germany -204, Mexico +560, draw +300 (2.5)

Why Bet on Germany?

The Germans are just behind Brazil to win the World Cup as Germany looks to become the first repeat champion since Brazil in 1958-62. Four years ago in Brazil, Germany beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the final. A beautifully taken goal by Mario Götze was the winner at the Maracanã in Rio. Götze took Andre Schürrle’s cross on his chest with his first touch. His second was to arrow a left-foot volley into the net.  At the 2014 World Cup, Germany scored five goals from set pieces — more than any other nation. Germany were never in danger of not qualifying for Russia. Joachim Low’s men finished Group C with a 100 percent record, beating Northern Ireland, Czech Republic, Norway, Azerbaijan and San Marino at home and away. They conceded only four goals and scored 43: the highest total in all European groups alongside Belgium. No fewer than 21 players found the target as Die Mannschaft became just the second team in history – after Spain in 2010 – to progress with a 100 percent record. Bundesliga superstars Manuel Neuer and Marco Reus have made the cut despite recent injuries, but there’s no place for Götze, who scored the winning goal in the final against Argentina four years ago, nor Leroy Sane, despite his impressive form for Manchester City in their English Premier League title-winning season.  The Bundesliga has contributed 15 players to this year’s squad, with the remaining eight all honed in Germany’s top flight. The Germans benefit from getting star goalkeeper Manuel Neuer back just in time for the tournament, which gives Germany extra assurance in front of net.

Can Mexico Put Up a Fight Against the Germans?

On paper, this team has enough to field two very competitive squads. The star is Toni Kroos, who has been the unsung hero of the Germany team for many years. The Real Madrid player has played in seven consecutive Champions League semifinals for Bayern Munich and the Spanish giants, whom he joined in 2014. Germany boasts one of the fiercest attacks in the competition with Red Bull Leipzig striker Timo Werner and Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller, while relying on an experienced center back pairing of Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng. Although their personnel may have evolved over the past few years, the Germans still maintain a style of methodical possession football that has been consistently successful on the world stage over the past 15 years.

Why Bet on Mexico?

Mexico has been the most predictable team at the World Cup in the modern era. For the last six tournaments, the Mexicans have made it out of the group stage and into the last 16. And at every single tournament, they have lost that Round of 16 contest and crashed out of the World Cup. They now hold the record for the most second round eliminations in World Cup history. El Tri heads into Russia on a very bleak note after underwhelming performances in their tune-up matches. This year’s team is blessed with a lethal striker in Javier Hernandez, plus an exciting forward in Giovani dos Santos. Former Arsenal attacker Carlos Vela is also in fine form, and Hirving Lozano is an exciting young talent. Porto captain Hector Herrera anchors the midfield alongside national captain Andres Guardado, while Rafael Marquez provides much-needed experience at the back. Lozano has quickly become a star in the Dutch first division at PSV Eindhoven, thrusting him into the starting XI for Mexico. He’ll be expected to get at outside backs, which he is more than capable of, while also having his hand in goals. Lozano will play opposite to Jesus “Tecatito” Corona, who also boasts significant pace and technical quality.

What Are Mexico’s Strengths for this World Cup?

Mexico draws strength from its defense, displayed in all its glory during a Hexagonal round in which it allowed just seven goals. Mexico has an intriguing attacking corps but has also struggled to score. In its three friendlies in preparation for the tournament, it scored one goal combined against Scotland, Wales and Denmark. Mainstays for the team like Chicharito Hernandez and Raul Jimenez have struggled to make an impact leading the line. A major hole comes from Mexico’s struggles to regain possession at midfield, which would help at both ends. El Tri also need a natural full-back who could pair with Miguel Layun. If El Tri finishes as runner-up in Group F, it would be on track to face Brazil, which would likely bring its tournament to an end.

Predicted Lineup

Germany

• Manuel Neuer
• Joshua Kimmich
• Jerome Boateng
• Mats Hummels
• Jonas Hector
• Sami Khedira
• Toni Kroos
• Marco Reus
• Mesut Ozil
• Julian Draxler
• Timo Werner

Mexico

• Guillermo Ochoa
• Carlos Salcedo
• Hugo Ayala
• Hector Moreno
• Jesus Gallardo
• Miguel Layun
• Hector Herrera
• Giovani dos Santos
• Andres Guardado
• Hirving Lozano
• Javier Hernandez

Expert World Cup Betting Prediction

Even though Mexico does have enough power to put up a fight against the Germans, you can’t deny that the Deutschland is a monster of a team and they will look to defend the World Cup at all cost. Germany wins 2-0.