PREVIEW TIP

Germany -  Portugal (Germany DRAWNOBET)

A game of the day this time is to be played at Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador where one of the most successful national teams ever Germany take on another top dog Portugal.

Germany have been one of the most consistent footballing countries in the 21st century. They're usually well-prepared, disciplined, tall, anthletic and clinical in front of their opponents' goal. In the past the Germans played much more coutious football and was one of those sides that tend to win by keeping their rivals scoreless. These days, though, things are much more different in the German camp. Die Mannschaft prefers attacking-minded football and tend to win by scoring a few goals themseves. For this tournament, Germany aren't so much impressive with ageing Klose, Podolski, and inconsistent Schurrle in the Arsenal of their manager Low but the midfield that this tactician possesses at his disposal is excellent. Players like Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Muller, Kroos, Gotze, Draxler, Grosskreutz, or even Khedira compose one of the best attacking midfields on Earth. The Germans are notorious for their good team spirit and brilliant cohesion, so dealing with German attacks is going to be very hard for most opponents. Germany's defence is going to be their problem No.1 this time out but thad being said they still have Neuer between the sticks and Weidenfeller on the bench, and these two keepers can be unbreakable on their day. Germany is likely to concede against deadly attacks but I've some doubts over Portugal's attacking power.

Of course, Portugal have got Ronaldo. His talent in undeniable but his current form is, I'm afraid. He's suffering from tendinosis and that is limitting him. On top of that, Portugal is too predictable up front. If Ronaldo doesn't play to his best then Portugal will be totally outplayed, because defence is the only area they're better that their today's rivals at. Don't get me wrong, please, as I'm not saying Portugal cannot score here. They can, of course, but the midfield of Germany is going to rip them apart and it's kind of hard to stop Germany when their midfield is given much freedom and feels in control. Thus Germany should create much more chances here than Portugal, and that's going to be crucial when you consider the clinical finishing of the Germans. Portugal won't be easy for Germany to deal with but Low's side should really win their opener.