2014 WORLD CUP SOCCER

GERMANY

vs. PORTUGAL

Line:
Germany +105, Portugal +220, Tie +235
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (Over +105, Under -135)

Group G play of the 2014 World Cup opens on Monday with a marquee matchup between Germany and Portugal.

Here is the BetDSI Sportsbook team preview for Germany:

Here is the BetDSI Sportsbook team preview for Portugal:

The Germany national team’s image has undergone a comprehensive makeover in the past eight years. Once begrudgingly praised as efficient, they are now lauded for their adventure, albeit with growing concern that they have shuffled a little too much to the left of the style-versus-substance scales. Third-place finishes at the last two World Cups, added to a Euro 2008 final appearance and Euro 2012 semi-final showing, have earned coach Joachim Low and his predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann much admiration given the rut the setup was perceived to be in previously.

There is a lingering fear though, that the trophy-delivering ruthlessness of old was lost in the construction of this more attractive approach, and that another heroic near-miss for the competition’s third favorites will not be tolerated. However, the evidence of the last few World Cups suggests that debate will briefly be blown away by a thrilling opening display against Portugal. In 2002, Germany started by savaging Saudi Arabia 8-0; in 2006, they outclassed Costa Rica 4-2 and in 2010, Australia were victims of a 4-0 assault.

Victory over Portugal was achieved when the pair clashed at the outset of Euro 2012 and Low’s side have won all three meetings between the nations since their current boom commenced in 2006, each of which was staged at a major tournament. Portugal, who conceded seven goals across the aforementioned three defeats, failed to kick off either World Cup 2010 or Euro 2012 with a win, despite qualifying from their group on both occasions. With plus-money, the pick here is GERMANY to prevail in a one-goal margin.