Germany to run riot vs Lichtenstein

Flick in the hot seat

The European Qualifiers for the World Cup get back underway in Group J on Thursday, and Germany begin life under Hansi Flick against Liechtenstein. Flick takes over a Germany side who were led to past glories by Jogi Low, with a World Cup win in 2014. But an underwhelming last-16 knockout in Euro 2020 capped off a disappointing few years for Die Mannschaft. One of the most recent humbling’s of this Germany side came in these qualifiers, when back in March, Low’s side lost to North Macedonia 2-1, a loss that was telling of a barren few major tournaments for the Germans. Flick, Low’s former assistant for the national side, has quite the stacked CV in a short space of time. In just 18 months as Bayern Munich manager, he won seven trophies, including a Champions League.

5,6,7,8 to Germany

This game against Liechtenstein should be a good chance for Flick to get his first win chalked off early doors and get off to a similarly successful start with the national side, as he did so well in Bavaria. Perhaps still licking their wounds from the Euro 2020 round of 16 exit at the hands of Southgate’s England, Flick will look to relight the confidence and swagger that Germany sides have regularly possessed over their history. This road to Qatar 2022 has already seen them beat Romania and Iceland before that loss to the Macedonians, this Liechtenstein side should be more than easy pickings for Germany. Their most recent win came against San Marino, with some 23 games without a win since then. Their last two games have been a 7-0 demolition job by Switzerland, and a 5-1 loss to the lowly Faroe Islands. In this qualifying group, they’ve been the team to rack up the goal difference against so far. Defeats to Armenia, North Macedonia, and Iceland, conceding five against North Macedonia and four against Iceland. Neither of these two sides are quite at the elite of national team levels, so it looks set for a near cricket score when they meet Germany in St Gallen.

I Hansi this going only one way

Armenia currently lead the way in Group J, with an impressive three wins from their three opening games. They’re closely followed by North Macedonia and then Germany. Both Romania and Iceland behind them still have it all to play for as well and will fancy their chances of mixing it with the teams at the top. This match will be a chance for Flick’s side to get a grip on this group and cement their challenge to top the group.

Barring any disaster, Germany are winning this game, and it should be very comfortable. Their dominance should be shown early, and that’s why I’m going with a goal before 15:00 (presumably to Germany…) with bet365.

Bet Goal before 15:00 on Bet365