The German and Mexican national football teams are good friends but, when the time comes for World Cup betting they will be even better enemies. The relationship between Aztecs and Teutons dates back to the time of sempiternal Mexican president Porfirio Diaz and Chancellor of the German Empire Otto von Bismarck. German immigrants in Mexico not introduced Bavarian architecture, but also founded a now-defunct football club, the Germania F.V. finally, center back Oswaldo Alanis is not a shoo-in on the Mexico roster, but he has befriended German defender Mats Hummels on the ground of their alleged resemblance to one another.
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17 June 2018 18:00 MSK (UTC+3)
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Germany vs. Mexico
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Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
None of that will mean a damn thing, though, when the two squads take to the pitch in June. El Tri (not to be confused by fans betting on the World Cup with the psychedelic rock band) has never made it beyond the Round of 16 in any World Cup not held in their native soil. They’ll have to compete for second place in Group F with Sweden, but even if they go past the first round, they would likely meet Brazil in the next round. To avoid a fate that is tantamount to elimination, they must finish first in their group, and in turn, to do that, they have to beat Germany. Who of course is all like, “Hello? World Champions and World Cup betting favorites to become the first team to retain the title since Brazil in 1962 here! Remember what happened the last time we played each other? Well, here’s a little reminder.”
Happy memories of our last meeting with Mexico at the Confed Cup ? ???? #DieMannschaft #WorldCupDraw pic.twitter.com/OQUAhzjwiu
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) December 1, 2017
Speaking of which, Germany won the Confederations Cup in July with B+ team including Timo Werner, Joshua Kimmich, Emre Can, Leroy Sane, Lars Stindl and Sandro Wagner. Joining them in the World Cup will be mainstays such as Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Mats Hummels, Sami Khedira and Thomas Mueller. “Only we as world champions have something to lose in Russia,” head coach Joaquin Loew said. “We have a very big goal and that is to defend the title.” Loew has managed the team since 2006 and has made good use of that time, ensuring the roster’s depth. For example, starting goalkeeper Neuer will return from injury early next year but even if he weren’t, Loew can choose from Paris St Germain’s Kevin Trapp and Barcelona’s Marc Andre ter Stegen, just two name two alternatives.
But Mexico is unfazed. “Mexico has a history of rising to the challenge against top rivals and I hope this will be no exception,” midfielder Andres Guardado said. “I hope that we can show in the group phase that we are going to have a historic World Cup.” added head coach Juan Carlos Osorio: “This [the opener] is the most important match, obviously. We need to plan, prepare and consider it as though it were the first and last one. Personally, I am very excited and I am of the belief that on any given day in soccer, anyone can win.” that’s what World Cup betting upsets are for.
