Welcome to the first preview of the World Cup Quarter Finals in what should be two absolutely awesome contests. With a few days of no World Cup football it’s great to have it back for the weekend. First up we have France taking on Germany followed by host nation Brazil taking on Colombia in what is perhaps the pick of the two games on display here.
**Odds from betfair as at 3rd July
France ($3.2) versus Germany ($2.6), Draw ($3.25)
France’s run
- Grp – France 3 – 0 Honduras
- Grp – France 5 – 2 Switzerland
- Grp – France 0 – 0 Ecuador
- L16 – France 2 – 0 Nigeria
Germany’s run
- Grp – Germany 4 – 0 Portugal
- Grp – Germany 2 – 2 Ghana
- Grp – Germany 1 – 0 USA
- L16 – Germany 2 – 1 Algeria
We kick off the Quarter finals with a great looking matchup with France taking on Germany for the right for a place in the last 4. Both sides have been pretty even in their run to the Quarter finals with France knocking in 10 goals to Germany’s 9 with France slightly better again in defence conceding just the 2 goals to Germany’s 3. France have also only allowed 12 shots on target in their 4 games which points to a pretty tight defence led by captain Hugo Lloris, however they’ll need to be on their game against a lethal German attack when in form and for me Germany have had a slightly tougher run to this stage having been in one of the toughest groups. France have a slight advantage here in terms of fitness having dealt with Nigeria in normal time whilst Germany had to work really hard to get over the line against Algeria in extra time. It shouldn’t have a huge impact on the game but towards the latter stages the French may have a little more run. A big boost for Germany though will be the return of Hummels from the flu and he’ll be a welcome addition in defence to quell the influence of Benzema who has been in some good form at this World Cup.
I can see this game going through to extra time at least with both sides deadlocked at 90 minutes. Germany haven’t really shown their best form since their opening fixture with Portugal even though they have got the job done in the end. France have kind of been flying under the radar and with this their biggest test yet I’m sure they’ll be a little more wary. Spoils have been shared between this two in their last 2 meetings with Germany winning the last back in 2013 and France the other in 2012. France managed to score first in both those encounters so that could be in the back of the mind of the Germans here but I’m expecting them to pretty tight defensively. Tough game to call but I can see Germany qualifying here through extra time or penalties with arguably the two best goal keepers in the world going head to head.
Predicted score (Normal time): Draw 1-1
Best Bet (Normal time): Draw no bet Germany at $1.8 (75%)
Next Best: Under 2.5 goals at $1.69
Brazil ($1.88) versus Colombia ($4.8), Draw ($3.75)
Brazil’s run
- Grp – Brazil 3 – 1 Croatia
- Grp – Brazil 0 – 0 Mexico
- Grp – Brazil 4 – 1 Cameroon
- L16 – Brazil 1(3) – 1(2) Chile *Penalties
Colombia’s run
- Grp – Colombia 3 – 0 Greece
- Grp – Colombia 2 – 1 Ivory Coast
- Grp – Colombia 4 – 1 Japan
- L16 – Colombia 2 – 0 Uruguay
If France taking on Germany wasn’t enough we have an even better looking match here with hosts Brazil taking on the form side of the World Cup in Colombia. Colombia have the 4 straight wins and are oozing with confidence and I think Brazil should be pretty nervous here. In fact I don’t think Brazil should be nervous, they will be nervous and whilst it’s of course understandable for them to be nervous given it’s the World Cup in Brazil, I would have thought they would have been quite comfortable by now. They just look under immense pressure when they take to the field and this is something think Colombia can and will take advantage of. We must remember too this is a side that lost their best player in Falcao before the tournament and to see what they have done has been just fantastic. They’ve been well led by the lethal James Rodriguez who leads the golden boot tally with 5 goals in 4 games and I’m sure Brazil will focus plenty on him to try and mitigate his impact. Brazil endured a tough game with Chile who took them to penalties which could have had a big toll physically and mentally. With an injury concern to Marcelo and with Gustavo out through suspension, there will no doubt be a reshuffle to the starting XI against a Colombian side that looks quite settled.
Whilst Brazil are no doubt a big chance here, I’m going for a Colombian win. They’ve just looked the far better team here and I’d expect to see a nervy start from Brazil especially as we’re now in the serious end of the tournament. Colombia may have scored only 3 of their 11 goals in the first half, but they’ve all come within the first 30 minutes. Taking into account Brazil have only conceded goals in the first half so far, that could be a telling stat. I’m going for a strong Colombian start and although Brazil will come back hard I’m backing Colombia to hold on.
Predicted score (Normal time): Colombia 2-1
Best Bet (Normal time): Both teams to score at $2.04 (80%)
Next Best: Over 2.5 goals at $2.28
Please Note:
All of the above are the opinions of the author and are not recommendations or advice. The author may not be taking every bet listed above. Bet at your own risk.
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