Our next match preview will be between the two sides fighting for the second spot from Group E. These two clubs have not faced each other since the World Cup in 2006 when Germany won 4-2. This meeting will all come down to Germany figuring out a way to finally score. Can Fullkrug fix their scoring woes, or will this end in a draw, ending both clubs’ dreams of hoisting the World Cup?
We are now getting into the swing of the World Cup, with a few groups taking shape already. The team at RotoBaller has you covered for all your World Cup needs. We'll bring you DFS articles, game previews, and betting picks throughout the competition.
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Costa Rica Team Breakdown
Costa Rica is by no means a challenge for Germany. The Club has very few players that have ever played in a top-tier domestic league, providing little experience in European football. With two goals in their World Cup campaign, they will continue to struggle against a German side. Against Spain, they played a 4-4-2 and lost 7-0 and in the 1-0 loss to Japan, they played a 5-4-1. With Costa Rica needing a win to advance it would not be surprising to see them revert back to a 4-4-2.
Strengths: The strength of this team is speed. If they run any formation with flankers, they will focus on getting behind Germany’s defense to do their damage.
Weaknesses: The weakness of Costa Rica is its lack of size. They do have one or two defenders with some physical presence, but against Germany’s physical and speedy play, they will struggle to stop them.
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Germany Team Breakdown
Germany has struggled once again on the big stage when it matters most. The German Giants have two goals to their name in this tournament, scoring once in each match. Furthermore, they ran a 4-2-3-1 formation in each match as well, however, there will be a newcomer in the Starting XI today, Niclas Fullkrug. The striker from Werder Bremen has claimed back-to-back Player Of The Month awards in the Bundesliga and he managed to keep Germany’s World Cup hopes alive at the end of the 1-1 draw with Spain, netting the equalizer. It is possible that Germany runs the 4-2-3-1 formation again, but they could also run a 4-3-3 needing a win and as many goals as possible. Either formation will be centered around Fullkrug.
Strengths: Midfield. Germany has one of the better and more experienced midfields in the tournament. Between Kimmich, Gundogan and Goretzka, those three provide ample support on both ends of the pitch, while Muller and Musiala are stellar playmakers and can score when needed.
Weaknesses: Lack of scoring. Aforementioned, Germany continues to struggle in the goal department running multiple players through the #9 gambit, hoping one sticks. It seems almost as if it was meant to be for Niclas Fullkrug to score the match-tying goal against Spain. The striker has made a name for himself in domestic play and now it is time for him to take the next step, leading Germany’s attack and creating what could be a formidable attack at that.
Iran vs USA Prediction
This matchup is a do-or-die re-match between the two sides and Germany are heavy favorites to win. With everything at play and a trip to the Knockout Stage and the Round of 16, it will be imperative that the clubs come out swinging hard and fast. Will Costa Rica be able to upset Germany and send them packing, or will the Germans finally find the right recipe for scoring success?
Score prediction: Costa Rica 0 - 3 Germany
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