The Odds
- To win the World Cup: +470
- To win Group F: -305
- To advance to Round of 16: -1255
Bet to Watch
Marco Reus to be Germany's top scorer (Bet 365)
There isn't a country in the world that can boast the same pedigree as Germany in international soccer since the turn of the century, with the reigning world champions having reached at least the semifinals in each of their last six appearances at major tournaments. As such, it's little wonder as why Die Mannschaft are priced up among the favorites for glory again as they bid to retain their crown.
In many ways this squad is more balanced and more well-rounded than the one that was in Brazil, no longer needing to shoehorn players into unnatural positions — with an impressive crop of youngsters that will be gaining their first experience of the tournament.
Crucially, however, the spine of the side is still intact, with captain Manuel Neuer back fit after almost a whole season's absence through injury and Bayern clubmates Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng on defense. Toni Kroos continues to pull the strings and ensure the game is played at Germany's pace, while Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller all remain very much in Joachim Loew's first team setup.
The latter is chasing compatriot Miroslav Klose's record goal haul at World Cups, currently six back on 10, and his prolific return at these tournaments should allay fears of any great drop-off in attacking potency following Klose's retirement. Timo Werner will likely take the veteran's former station up front, while it's been a long time coming but will be great to see Marco Reus at his first international tournament as he's missed the previous two.
The Borussia Dortmund captain promised to be a genuine superstar ahead of the previous World Cup but has been plagued with injuries since. Now fully fit, he should get the nod on the left, and his return to the fold ultimately led to the surprise omission of Manchester City star Leroy Sane. It was a decision taken by Loew that shocked the nation and the soccer world at large, but in Reus they have a player who could really shine in Sane's stead, scoring seven goals in 11 league games on his comeback for BVB. His goal ratio for the national team is one in three and as such the forward is a very good value in both the outright top scorer (+6700 according to oddschecker) and team top scorer markets.
If Germany has one weak link it may be at left-back, where Jonas Hector and Marvin Plattenhardt will vie for the start. Both are very capable but perhaps a grade down on their teammates, which may also have influenced the decision to leave Sane at home given a perceived lack of defensive discipline. On the opposite flank though, young Joshua Kimmich has stepped into the shoes of one of the best fullbacks in recent times in Philipp Lahm for both club and country as if there would never be a problem to replace the former captain.
Mexico couldn't cope with Germany's under-23s at the Confederations Cup last year but are deemed the stiffest competition for the overwhelming favorites to top Group F for good reason. Meanwhile Sweden are resolute but unspectacular, and South Korea are only really the latter.
The holders aren't in great form leading up to the tournament, and may not be entirely settled in attack, but turn it on when it matters most. It may take only three or four goals to top their scoring charts this year — more likely to be shared across the front three — and the value on Reus as a result. He's all the way out at +900, and that is too good a price to resist. Currently that prop is widely available at plenty of European books, but as the tournament draws nearer, that prop should go up around the market.
More World Cup Betting Coverage
- Group A: Russia | Saudi Arabia | Egypt | Uruguay
- Group B: Portugal | Morocco | Iran | Spain
- Group C: France | Australia | Peru | Denmark
- Group D: Argentina | Iceland | Croatia | Nigeria
- Group E: Brazil | Costa Rica | Switzerland | Serbia
- Group F: Germany | Mexico | Sweden | South Korea
- Group G: Belgium | Panama | Tunisia | England
- Group H: Poland | Senegal | Colombia | Japan
