Main man Muller can spark Germany
REIGNING champions Germany kick off their World Cup campaign with arguably their toughest match of the group stage when they face Mexico.
That says a lot, given they’re just 1-2 to pick up three points. I can’t see a way past Joachim Low’s side this year – and while no nation has managed to retain the World Cup since 1962, that could change this year. On paper Germany may not have the best set of individuals in Russia but put them together and they’re capable of tearing any team apart.
With Bayern Munich striker Thomas Muller (right) the big danger up front, I fancy the Germans to overcome a onegoal handicap at 11-8.
Mexico will do well to nick a goal against a side who conceded just four times in qualifying, while I’m fancying a couple of players to get on the scoresheet for the odds-on favourites.
Behind Belgium and France, Argentina are the shortest-priced side in the opening round of fixtures at 1-3 and it’s easy to see why. Iceland’s heroics at Euro 2016 may sway the odd neutral into believing they can repeat something similar, but I just can’t see that happening this time.
It’s Lionel Messi’s last chance of winning the ultimate prize in football.
Don’t expect any upsets here – the bet has to be Argentina winning with a goal from their mercurial No.10 at 21-20. I’M not expecting either of these sides to do much in Group F.
Germany should top it with nine points and Mexico can finish second with six, so I think these will be the only points the Swedes and the Koreans pick up.
I reckon they’ll share them, so I’ll put my money on the draw at 21-10.