France v Germany: Back Die Mannschaft to break hosts’ hearts
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A favourable draw has meant that hosts France haven’t faced Euro 2016’s biggest names until now, but after scraping victories over the likes of Albania and Republic of Ireland, they look set to be swept aside by a Germany side containing some of the continent’s top talents.
While Les Bleus have struggled to overcome some of the tournament’s lesser lights, Germany have already seen off an Italy side whose displays had seen many take Antonio Conte’s men up as their tip to win the tournament.
The Germans were on top in every aspect, deservedly beating Italy, as they matched the intensity that saw Joachim Low’s charges demolish a solid Slovakia side 3-0 in the round of 16.
The pace and trickery offered by the likes of Julian Draxler and Mesut Ozil – both of whom scored in that 3-0 triumph – will prove too much for France to handle, whose ageing full-back pairing of Bacary Sagna and Patrice Evra have been a liability so far this tournament.
Meanwhile at the other end, Antoine Griezmann’s scoring record is tempered by the fact he hasn’t faced a keeper close to Manuel Neuer’s quality, while Olivier Giroud has needed a hatful of chances to find the net throughout the competition.
Backing Germany in the match betting seems the smart option at 15/8, with a draw 2/1 and 9/5 for a France victory.
However, there may be even better value on a Die Mannschaft win elsewhere, with the 11/2 for Mesut Ozil to score and Germany to win a tempting bet. The Arsenal man has 20 goals in his 78 appearances for the national side and netted at each of his last three major tournaments.
Elsewhere, there could be plenty of value in backing Germany to win 3-1 at 25/1. Low’s charges have scored exactly three goals on three occasions since September 2015, while France have only drawn a blank twice in their last 10 outings.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
