Big Match Breakdown: Germany v Sweden
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Odds, tips and preview for huge Group F game
After their shock defeat against Mexico, Germany can’t afford to slip up against Sweden tonight.
The holders looked in disarray as Mexico tore through them again and again in Moscow. If it wasn’t for poor decision-making in the final third, Germany could have lost by much more than a single goal.
Sweden currently lead Group F after beating South Korea 1-0 in their opening game. Avoiding defeat here would give them a real chance to make it into the last-16.
It’s set up for a huge game in Sochi and the Coral News Team have all you need to know before kick-off…
Head-to-Head
Germany and Sweden have faced each other seven times in the past, with the most recent clash coming during qualifying for the last World Cup.
The Germans have won five of those previous games, while Sweden have failed to win any of them. Janne Andersson’s side will be determined to put that right at the Fisht Stadium.
Likely XIs
After the shambles against Mexico, Joachim Low is set to shuffle his pack. Jonas Hector, Ilkay Gundogan and Marco Reus could come in for Marvin Plattenhardt, Sami Khedira and Julian Draxler respectively.
Sweden have little reason to make changes after beating South Korea. However, Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof could come into defence after recovering from illness.
Key Battles
Germany looked sluggish whenever Mexico broke with speed in their opening game. Sweden don’t have much pace throughout the side, which means the onus will be on Emil Forsberg to exploit the space behind Joshua Kimmich.
Low will expect his team to control the game much better here. Gundogan’s presence in midfield should give them more energy, while Hector will provide a better outlet on the left.
Sweden are likely to sit deep and look to counter. That means Die Mannschaft may need to be patient. There isn’t likely to be much space in behind for Timo Werner to race into.
Match Odds
Germany are 8/15 to get back on track with a much-needed win. Sweden are 11/2 to win and make the unthinkable a very real possibility for their opponents. The draw is 3/1.
Thomas Muller has spoken of Germany’s complacency against Mexico. They hadn’t impressed in their warm-up games but assumed they’d be fine when the tournament started. Now they’ll really need to put a shift in. Germany to Win to Nil is 6/4.
The last meeting between these two ended in a 5-3 Germany win. That goalfest wasn’t an exception either. Of the seven previous meetings between the two sides, five have produced Over 2.5 Goals. It’s 5/6 that tonight’s game follows suit.
Muller is 11/8 to get his 11th World Cup goal here. Timo Werner is 8/11 to score anytime or 3/1 to open the scoring.
Marcus Berg will lead the line for Sweden. He’s a 13/5 shot to get on the scoresheet.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
