Germany vs Netherlands
Hands up, SBOBET fans, if you remember the most tempestuous clash of Italia 1990.
It has never been forgotten by this observer as a schoolboy growing up, and this arguably set the tone for the modern-day rivalry between these two nations.
Now as they prepare to meet again in the UEFA Nations League, the stakes are hardly as high. But pride will dictate both sides as they strive for victory.
Talking Points
This Group A clash in Gelsenkirchen will certainly be well worth watching as Ronald Koeman’s seemingly rejuvenated Dutch go in search of the point that would take them into next June’s Nations League finals.
Then there’s Germany who are destined to finish bottom of the group, whatever the outcome in this one. They also have revenge on their mind after last month’s clash in the Amsterdam ArenA caused ripples as well as providing UEFA Nations League 2018 highlights.
If you had looked at the UEFA Nations League 2018 betting odds at the start of the tournament, you would not have tipped Holland to beat both Germany and the nation which succeeded them as world champions, let alone win the group.
Yet that is the exact possibility with one match remaining after Holland’s 2-0 victory over Les Bleus on Friday meant they became the first side to have beaten them since they were crowned world champions in July.
It also marked Georginio Wijnaldum’s 10th international goal and Memphis Depay’s 23rd goal (combined for club and country) in 2018.
They are certainly the form team in comparison to Germany – just one win in five competitive matches.
While Joachim Low’s star may have fallen lately, Germany won’t want to go through the whole campaign without a victory.
They could definitely use the actions of the Holland manager 30 years ago as an incentive to up their game.
It was at Euro 1988 when the Dutch came from behind to beat the hosts in the semi-final, and the Germans were hit so hard they didn’t leave the dressing room for half an hour after the final whistle.
Most of the German players didn’t even shake hands with the opposition. Koeman, who scored in that win, revealed he had wiped his backside on the German shirt he had swapped with his opponent after the match.
Lowe could use that mark of disrespect to inspire his players to a much-needed victory three decades on.
History
These nations have quite a history.
They last met in a major tournament in Euro 2012 when a Mario Gomez double fired the Germans to a 2-1 success, despite a late Robin van Persie reply.
Germany have the edge in most competitive encounters with the exceptions being the 1988 and 1992 European Championships when, under the late great Rinus Michels, a Marco van Basten-inspired Dutch national side claimed two major victories.
Overall, the two countries have met on 41 occasions with the Dutch winning 11, the Germans enjoying success in 15 of the clashes and the other 15 ending up as draws.
However, the Germans have usually had the edge when it matters most, most notably in the 1974 World Cup Final when they bounced back from conceding a penalty under 60 seconds to be crowned world champions.
Betting Tip
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Germany vs Netherlands | Germany Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 1.91 |
| November 20, 03:45 (GMT+8) |
It may hardly be critical but, even at this level, Germany will be embarrassed the word ‘relegation’ has appeared in the same sentence as their national team.
That Low’s men have been relegated to League B of this competition will hurt.
Yet I think they will have a point to prove in this one and will be intent on stopping the Dutch from gaining the point they need to qualify for the top spot.
There were certainly signs of improvement the other night when Leroy Sane and Niklas Sule scored their first international goals to guide them to a 3-0 friendly success over Russia.
Serge Gnabry made sure of the victory before half-time as Low made a number of changes, and several young players impressed in a first-half showing packed with pace, power and goals.
It may only have been a friendly, but it showed Low’s men have more talent than their recent performances suggest.
To end a miserable year on a high and emerge from the ashes of Russia 2018, only victory against Holland will suffice.
I think they will edge it.
They are clear favourites with 1X2 odds which price Germany @ 1.90, the draw @ 3.50 and Holland @ 3.70.
Asian Handicap betting also gives them the edge. If you are backing the super-confident Dutch, then how about Asian Handicap Holland + 0.50 @ 2.01?
Over 2.75 goals comes out @ 2.03, under 2.50 goals @ 2.14 and a tight game of total goal 0-1 @ 3.50 – attractive looking odds.
If Germany were to exact the perfect revenge with a correct score of 3-0, you would receive a payout @ 17.50.
Or how about Double Chance Holland or draw @ 1.81? Worth a punt?
There’s much to consider.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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