Germany vs Mexico
One of the first football games I can recall as a youngster was a tie in the 1986 World Cup.
What is now more than 30 years ago, yet seems little more than 10 minutes away, was a quarter-final clash in Monterrey between the hosts and one of the perpetual tournament favourites.
On that occasion, a tense goalless draw was followed by the Germans – containing the likes of Andreas Brehme, Lothar Matthaus (whose main time would come four years later), Karl Heinz-Rummenigge and Klaus Aloffs – prevailing 4-1 on spot-kicks.
Sports betting suggests this encounter three decades on could also be close, who knows perhaps even going all the way to penalties again.
Whether in Sochi, South America, or Scandinavia, taking on the world champions is never easy and Juan Carlos Osorio’s men will be under no illusions at the task they face.
Defensive lapses have to be stopped. It’s easier said than done when Rafa Marquez is not fully fit after back surgery, Carlos Salcedo is out with a shoulder injury and Diego Reyes is a doubt with a hamstring problem.
In attack, the picture is more encouraging with expectations on Carlos Vela, rising star Hirvng Lorenzo and goal-getter Javier Hernandez – let’s hope he is not affected by end-of-season fatigue as some writers are suggesting.
Lively El Tri need to be at the top of their game to cause a surprise, let alone force a shoot-out, but it can’t be ruled out after their encouraging group displays.
Of course, they will not be facing a first choice German side.
Joachim Low is using this tournament as a chance to experiment with some young blood, alongside a handful of more experienced regulars.
The fact they have the most inexperienced squad in the tournament should not be considered a weakness, however.
The likes of Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, and Thomas Muller may be among those sitting out this summer, but the strength in their armoury is clear.
Julian Draxler, Emre Can and Joshua Kimmich all offer quality and know-how and they ultimately topped their group with something to spare.
In truth, few will ultimately remember who prevails in the 2017 Confederations Cup.
For the main aim is to retain the title champions of the world in just over 12 months from now.
Yet what perhaps sets Germany apart from most is the fact Low takes nothing to chance.
He is giving most of his stars a summer break while at the same time blooding a new group, giving them what could be vital understanding and hunger to gain an even greater experience of tournament football in the same country a year from now.
That potential strength and planning is paying dividends and can continue against the Mexicans.
And if this match is as exciting as their last Confederations Cup meeting – a 3-3 draw in 2005 – we could be in for a treat!
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more football betting options.
