Germany v Spain: Betting Preview

Germany v Spain

One thing we can be sure of is that it will be an all-European World Cup final after the Netherlands qualified by defeating Uruguay 3-2 in the first semi-final to set up a final showdown against one of Germany or Spain.

We can be less sure of the outcome of the second semi-final in Durban on Wednesday night. Germany and Spain have both won four and lost one in their run to the semi-finals. Germany have been very impressive in beating England and Argentina convincingly in the knock-out stages. Whereas Spain have looked somewhat shaky in squeezing their way past Portugal and Paraguay.

The bookmakers have this one down as a close call too. Spain can be backed to win at a best price of 7/4 (bwin) with Germany to win available at 15/8 (Boylesports and Betfred).

Germany will be missing the suspended young forward Thomas Muller who has impressed many with his performances during the World Cup so far. But Germany coach Joachim Low is blessed with attacking flair with the likes of Lucas Podolski, Cacau, Mesut Ozil and Miroslav Klose who will undoubtedly cause problems to the Spanish back four.

Spain also possess an array of attacking quality with David Villa being their star of the tournament so far. The misfiring Fernando Torres, however, looks likely to be dropped after disappointing so far and his likely replacement Cesc Fabregas has picked up an injury in training and could also miss out. Fernando Llorente could be the man to step into the Spanish attack and after causing Portugal’s rearguard all sorts of problems when he came on in the round of 16 match, he might be worth a punt for first goalscorer at 8/1 (general).

While both teams look good going forward, questions could be asked about the two defences. Per Mertesacker is one player who could be targeted. Although he is tall and strong in the air, the pace of David Villa might give a stiff test to the Werder Bremen defender across the ground. The same could be said about Spain’s central defender Carles Puyol. His lack of pace could show against Podolski and Klose.

Neither goalkeeper has looked totally assured either, with Manuel Neuer flapping on Matthew Upson’s goal for England whilst Iker Casillas has not looked his cool and assured self in this tournament. So don’t be surprised if it is a game packed full of goals.

Top tips:

• HT Draw/FT Spain – 11/2 (bwin)
• Spain to win 2-1 – 10/1 (Blue Sq, 888 Sport)
• Over 2.5 – 5/4 (SkyBet)

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