France will face the pressure

Neighbours and archrivals Germany and France emerge from the World Cup in markedly different fashion.

The defending champions Germany plunged out at the group stage, adding to the pattern of winners falling from grace so early on in attempts to retain their title. The Germans won’t take much solace in that fact though.

France on the other hand, turned mediocre and unimpressive performances into a gold medal, eventually going on to defeat Croatia in the final to become world champions.

Never underestimate the Germans

Many have thrown it in the Germans’ faces (myself included) that it’s the first time Germany have failed to progress from the group stage since 1938. This has ostensibly been a point of ridicule aimed at the German national team, but now we’ve moved on from the World Cup, I can’t see it as anything but positive.

Coach Joachim Löw will be forced to go with a similar team he fielded during the summer.

The very fact that they missed out on the knockout stages for the first time in 80 years shows the durability of German football on the national stage, not to mention the consistent level they perform at, time and time again.

Let’s face it, whether it was fatigue, a tactical mash-up, or it simply didn’t go right for them on the day, the Germans have a squad rich in talent. There’s only Mesut Özil who has declared himself unavailable for national selection, although we won’t get into that. Still, Germany don’t have the strength in depth when it comes to experienced players that France have. Coach Joachim Löw will be forced to go with a similar team he fielded during the summer.

It’s not the right time, and it’s not the right opponent

Still, Die Mannschaft are far from performing at their best, and it’s going to take some time for them to get back to winning ways. They’ll want to prove they can bounce back, as captain Manuel Neuer so gallantly stated, and a roaring Munich crowd will certainly egg them on to do it. But unfortunately it’s not the right time, and it’s simply not the right opponent.

A team intact

For France on the other hand, they go into this grudge match on the highest of highs. Fresh from a World Cup win that’s barely settled in, they have a chance to show the world how worthy they are of their title. And I believe they’ll do just that.

The French trump the Germans man for man on every area of the pitch

They’ve kept a winning squad in tact, and the only first team starter they’re missing is goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who will be replaced by PSG man Alphonse Areola. Areola has played consistently for France at youth level from the U16s, but nerves could be a weak point and allow the Germans in.

The French trump the Germans man for man on every area of the pitch, with a central line that any domestic club side would die for in Varane/Matuidi, Pogba/Kante and Griezmann. To boot they’re gelling together nicely with players like Pogba who are out of form for their club sides, but doing the business for their country. Not to mention that wonder kid Kylian Mbappé has already netted 4 in 4 in the French league.

Match Tips

The bookies are playing their cards close to their chest with this one and have got the match odds quite tight - rather a little too tight for my liking and I don’t see much value in it. Germany definitely have the potentially to pose a threat, and their home advantage will play a part in that. But to be honest, it shouldn’t be enough, especially this close to the World Cup with the wounds still fresh. France certainly didn’t over perform in the summer but they’re building a solid team on and off the pitch.

That’s why I’m playing for a France win and both teams to score. It sees more value in the odds, it allows Germany the chance to get something from the game in front of a home crowd, but most importantly, it proves France are worthy world champions. bet365 have the best value odds at 9/2 on France to win and both teams to score.

Bet France to win & both teams to score on Bet365