Germany v Portugal Tip

We saw yesterday that the betting markets are a little cautious before a match is played. Russia looked like they could be streets ahead of their Group A rivals, but they’ve only become heavily odds-on to top their section after proving it in competition.

Similarly, I think the indications are that Germany are a cut above Portugal heading into tonight’s Group B clash, but we’re still getting value because of the ‘unknown.’ I’m delighted to take better than evens money on Joachim Loew’s exciting team; current best price on a German win is 6/5 with WilliamHill.

There may be an unknown element, but what we do know is that the 1996 European champions were imperious in qualifying, winning 10 out of 10 fixtures. They also scored 34 goals and had more attempts on target than any other side on the continent.

Loew has a huge pool of talent at his disposal with key players at great ages. Lahm (28), Schweinsteiger (27), Podolski (27) and Gomez (26) should be at the peak of their powers. Ozil (23), Muller (22), Kroos (22) and Gotze (20) can also bring a youthful exuberance to the midfield that most sides in world football can only dream of. Even Miroslav Klose, 34 on match day, is still highly capable after nine goals in qualifying; he has a remarkable 63 in total for his country.

On the other hand, hopes surrounding Portugal hang squarely on the shoulders of Ronaldo. The Germans have made it perfectly clear that he is their primary target; stop the Real Madrid man and you stop Portugal. That’s the credo and it may not be far from the truth.


But even with Ronaldo’s goals, Paulo Bento’s current crop have looked unspectacular. Second behind Denmark in qualifying, they haven’t even won a match in 2012 in three attempts. They arrive off the back of a 3-1 defeat to Turkey in Lisbon. Germany should really be licking their lips.