Brazil v Germany World Cup 2014, 8th July Betting Preview
This mighty clash would have looked even mightier if Brazil still had Neymar around. But they have lost their star man through injury, so what will that do their chances of winning the title? The bookmakers have moved Germany in now as narrow favourites to win this one, so will the Selecao fall short?
Brazil v Germany Betting Tips
How will Brazil cope without Neymar? It is going to be a big ask for them without their star striker, because he has pretty much carried them through the tournament. Without the Barcelona man, they do look pretty pedestrian going forward. Fred is now the shortest priced option for BRazil in the anytime goalscorer market at 2/1. That doesn’t scream value. Brazil are back in the semi finals for the first time since 2002, the year that they last won the World Cup title. But with Neymar having played a part in ten of their goals scored so far at the World Cup, his absence will leave a big void.
Not only that, they are weakened at the back with the suspension of Thiago Silva. The Selecao are undefeated in the last ten matches in which he has played so he is a key part of their set up. Dante, who has yet to play a single minute at the World Cup, will likely come in. Still, Brazil do have history as they are undefeated in their last six semi final appearances at the World Cup, winning five of them in ninety minutes, the other a victory in a penalty shoot-out against Holland.
Brazil and Germany have only played once before at the World Cup, Brazil winning that one 2-0 in the 2002 Final. Since then, they have gone up against each other three times, resulting in one win for each and a draw. Germany did take a 3-2 win in the most recent meeting in 2011. Brazil do have a commanding lead in the head to head overall though, as they have taken 12 wins to Germany’s four. Germany are pretty strong defensively and would expect this one to go under 2.5 goals, especially with Brazil lightweight up front now.
Brazil though have averaged 2.2 goals per game in their last ten against Germany. The Selecao have only won one of their last four matches at the World Cup against European opposition though and that was their victory over Croatia in this year’s group stage. After employing some pretty ruthless tactics against Colombia in the quarter finals, Brazil clearly weren’t concerned about playing beautiful football, so it proved that they are ready to win at all costs. They kicked and fouled their way to the final four, and were happy to take chances from set pieces. That is where Germany will have show the most caution.
Germany have proven to be a tactically astute team. They were happy to simply contain France in their 1-0 quarter final win over Les Bleus. Die Mannschaft have lost just the one of their last nine matches at the World Cup against South American opposition, that being that 2002 final loss against Brazil. Germany have something important that Brazil don’t and that is variety in players scoring. They don’t rely heavily on one man, and their last six World Cup goals have come from six different players. Thomas Muller, who has scored 4 goals so far at Brazil 2014 (and could have had a few more), is the even money favourite in the anytime goalscorer market.
Germany have posted three clean sheets at the World Cup so far, more than anyone else has managed. While they do play a high line and are vulnerable to speed, Brazil don’t have that speed, and Germany should be solid enough at the back and with keeper Manuel Neuer in great form, they could hold out. They will have seen Brazil concede a massive 31 fouls against Colombia in their semi final and be worried about the physical threat. However, Germany can keep the ball nicely and pull Brazil around well enough to avoid getting drawn into a scrap. Veteran Miroslav Klose needs one more goal to become the World Cup’s all time leading goalscorer.
Brazil v Germany Betting Odds
Germany 13/8, Brazil 7/4, Draw 23/10
Take advantage of Betfred’s Double/Treble Odds on the World Cup first goalscorer market. If your successful first goalscorer selection scores a second goal at anytime in the match, then you will be paid out double odds, and if he goes on to net a hat trick, that is triple odds payout!
Brazil v Germany Predictions
Germany look solid and tactically aware enough to take the win in this one. It is probably going to be a low scoring affair, as Brazil’s best chances are going to come from dead ball situations. Germany can stay defensively strong enough to keep out the Brazilians and Die Mannschaft are strong enough value to back in the match outright.
