Germany v Portugal predictions, tips, lineups and free bets (World Cup Group G - June 16, 2014)

Tuesday, 07 September 2021 17:15
Written by David Bet

Germany and Portugal will go head-to-head at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, on what will be the most anticipated match of the World Cup Group G. This article contains a complete GERMANY v PORTUGAL betting preview with tips, predictions, best odds, probable line-ups, free bets and no deposit bonuses on the match!

GERMANY v PORTUGAL BETTING PREVIEW

Germany, who have finished third at the last two World Cups, are unbeaten in 11 games and come in this tournament full of confidence. They hammered Armenia 6-1 last time out but the result was 1-1 at the 69' minute when Mkhitaryan netted in the equalizer. Before of that, Germany conceded two at-home draws, first against Poland and later against Cameroon.

With doubts over the fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira, the versatile Philipp Lahm will start not at full-back but in midfield. Benedikt Höwedes may get the nod over Jerome Boateng at right-back Marko Reus is the most notable absence for the Mannschaft. Even without Reus, Germany still have the likes of Mario Goetze, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil and Andre Shurrle in attacking positions.

Portugal experienced some difficulties to book their ticket to the Brazilian World Cup as they finished second on their qualification group behind Russia and were forced to go head-to-head with Ibrahimovic’s Sweden on two playoff matches.

They come from a morale boosting victory too as the thumped Ireland 5-1 in their last friendly match. Prior to that Paulo Bento's men squeezed past Mexico 1-0 and were held to a 0-0 draw by Greece.

Cristiano Ronaldo, has been struggling with both tendonitis and a thigh problem for the past two months and, despite making his return to action in Tuesday’s friendly match, he was twice forced to cut short his participation in training in recent days. Pepe played just 25 minutes against Ireland but should be OK to feature from the off alongside Bruno Alves. Furthermore, Paulo Bento is not yet fully certain if he will be able to count on Fábio Coentrão.

These two actually met in the Euro 2012 group stage, with the Germans coming out 1-0 winners. Germany have won the last 3 competitive meetings between the two sides. In our opinion, a similarly low-scoring tie is unlikely to happen again.

GERMANY v PORTUGAL PROBABLE LINEUPS

Germany (4-2-3-1) – Neuer – Howedes – Mertesacker – Boateng – Schmelzer – Khedira – Lahm – Muller – Özil – Götze – Podolski

Portugal (4-3-3) – Rui Patrício – João Pereira – Pepe – Bruno Alves – F. Coentrão – Moutinho – R. Meireles – Carvalho – Varela – Ronaldo – Hugo Almeida