Germany V Argentina
Wednesday 9 October 2019 – 19:45 Kick-Off
International Friendly
Pick: Germany to WIN
Odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: SportingBet
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77/100 | 3/1 | 63/20 |
* (All betting odds displayed were correct as of 7 October 2019 at 20:35)
Preview: The Westfalenstadion, which is the iconic residence of Borussia Dortmund, will host an international friendly between two countries steeped in historic rivalry as Germany and Argentina meet for only the second occasion since contesting the 2014 FIFA World Cup final. The Germans were the victors on that particular occasion but were defeated 4-2 in the only encounter since. So, who will claim the spoils in 2019?
International Friendly Betting – 22Bet
Germany Preview – Free-scoring Germans to prove too strong?
Drastically poor showings at the recent FIFA World Cup and inaugural Nations League has inspired the German national team to do some soul-searching. Many of the old guard have been deemed surplus to requirements and although recent results have gradually improved, the manner with which Holland dismantled them only a month ago, and in Germany no less, was another reminder as to why this current edition of ‘Die Mannschaft’ are only ranked 16th in the world.
Qualification for the 2020 European Championships remain on course, though, winning four of their opening five group games (W4 L1). Three of those were without conceding which, while impressive at first sight, was little more than expected considering the opposition (Belarus, Estonia and Northern Ireland). A further look at their results since the 2018 World Cup shows France, Holland (x4), Peru and Serbia were all capable of breaching the German rearguard on at least one occasion. Germany & Both Teams to Score is 13/5 with Bet365.
Fortunately for coach Joachim Low, the German attack remains as potent and devastating as ever. The ability to score at least two goals in seven of their previous eight games (W5 D2 L1 during this spell) epitomises this. Plenty of eyes will focus on Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry following his four-goal heroics against Tottenham recently, but arguably the star of this side could be RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner. The rapid forward has seven goals from five club appearances in 2019/20 and is 9/2 favourite with Unibet to open the scoring here.
Argentina Preview – South Americans to flourish in absence of Messi?
La Albiceleste arrive in Germany in decent form but missing their talismanic figure of Lionel Messi. The Barca supremo has opted to remain in Spain as he continues to build up his fitness following an injury plagued start to 2019/20. Or perhaps the maestro is still reeling from last summer’s Copa America, a tournament he was unable to steer his nation to glory in after falling to hosts Brazil in a hotly-contested semi-final.
Whatever the reason, their best player is not in attendance. Not that this will be anything new to head coach Lionel Scaloni, with the 41-year-old unable to call on the services of Messi for last month’s friendlies with Chile (0-0) and Mexico (W4-0). The latter result was especially impressive, thrashing an in-form Mexican team who were recently crowned CONCACAF Gold Cup winners in the summer. Victory came courtesy of a hat-trick from Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez (3/1 Anytime Scorer with Bet365).
Their short-term form, therefore, is certainly eye-catching, having won two of their last three internationals (W2 D1) when including victory in the Copa America third-place play-off over Chile. However, this is still a country that has struggled at major finals when faced with sterner opposition. And those efforts often involved the likes of Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and, of course, Lionel Messi. Neither are at their disposal here, with Scaloni opting for a more youthful squad selection.
Germany V Argentina Key Facts:
- Germany have been beaten only once in their past eight matches (W5 D2 L1).
- Argentina are now enjoying a three game unbeaten run (W2 D1).
- This will be their first meeting for over five years, since Argentina prevailed in a friendly to win 4-2 back in September 2014.
Betting Summary
This game will be billed as a warm-up for Sunday’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Estonia, a team thumped 8-0 earlier in the campaign. Victory here, however, over an opponent with greater prestige and glamour, would be more beneficial for the team’s confidence moving forward. I suspect, therefore, that Low will name a strong side as Germany seek to build on a run of five wins in the last eight matches (W5 D2 L1).
Their opponents are in decent enough form, though, with Argentina unbeaten in three (W2 D1). The latest of those an excellent 4-0 victory over a strong and improving Mexico. There will, however be no Lionel Messi. Considering even the great man himself struggled to carry this team during the summer’s Copa America, makes victory in Germany seem unlikely.
Provided the German team is strong to begin with, the hosts should be able to overpower Argentina. Die Mannschaft had displayed improved form prior to losing to Holland last month and their superior firepower, scoring two goals or more in seven of the last eight matches, should ensure they collect a morale-boosting victory.
