France v Germany predictions, tips, odds and free bets (World Cup quarter final - July 4, 2014)

Friday, 04 July 2014 15:11
Written by David Bet

The first of the World Cup 2014 quarter finals takes place on Friday when European footballing heavyweights France and Germany lock horns at the Estádio Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. This article contains a complete FRANCE v GERMANY betting preview with tips, predictions, best odds, probable line-ups, free bets and no deposit bonuses on the match!

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FRANCE v GERMANY BETTING PREVIEW

France had a relatively easypassage through the group stage, recording two wins over Honduras (3-0) and Switzerland (5-2) before they sealed top spot with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. That moved them on to face Nigeria in the round of sixteen: They only managed to open the score on the 79’ minute thanks to a goal by Juventus’ midfielder Paul Pogba and then made it 2-0 thanks to an own goal from Yobo at the death when Nigeria were out on their feet.

Griezmann may start against Germany having impressed from the bench against Nigeria. So Olivier Giroud will be dropped out of the team and Karim Benzema will lead the attack. In the last match Koscielny played stopper instead of Sakho and considering how he played Deschamps will not replace him.

After a stunning performance in their debut match against Portugal (4-0), Germany has looked less than impressive in their last three matches. They needed to come from behind to draw 2-2 against Ghana, and could only defeat the U.S.A. by just a single goal. In the last sixteeen round, Germany were given a real scare by Algeria as the match went into extra time after a 0-0 stalemate. Goals at the start and finish of the extra 30 minutes eventually saw them through despite Algeria grabbing a consolation right at the end. Their defense allowed the Algerians some terrific scoring opportunities, and their attack couldn’t convert the 22 shots they had during 90 minutes into a single goal.

Mats Hummels, who missed the Algeria match due to illness, should be available while Mustafi is likely to miss out after pulling up in the last match. Lahm will likely return on the right flank while Khedira goes in the midfield. Low has a dilemma in attack, especially because of Gotze’s poor performances. Anyway, Andre Schürrle could feature from the bench despite scoring on Monday.

Les Blues have only one defeat in their last 15 matches.Furthermore, they are in form against the Germans. In the last seven meetings, all of which having been friendly matches, France have posted a W5 D1 L1 record. A win for Germany here would make them the first side ever to make it to four World Cup semi finals in a row.

FRANCE v GERMANY PROBABLE LINEUPS

France (4-3-3): Lloris; Evra, Debuchy, Varane, Koscielny; Matuidi, Cabaye, Pogba; Valbuena, Griezmann, Benzema

Germany (4-3-3): Neuer; Howedes, Lahm, Mertesacker, Hummels; Khedira, Kroos, Schweinsteiger; Ozil, Gotze, Muller