World Cup Betting Odds: European powerhouses Germany and Portugal meet in Group G action on Monday in a match that can be seen on ESPN. These teams are expected to be the top two teams in Group G but the loser of this match will face immediate pressure in their final two matches against Ghana and the United States. Germany is listed as the favorite against Portugal on Monday with the total at 2.5 under. Here is a look at the game and World Cup picks.
Germany +120, Portugal +255, Draw +225, total 2.5 under
Germany is one of the overall favorites to win the 2014 World Cup as they finished third in 2006 and in 2010. Manager Joachim Loew has done a nice job with Germany but he has yet to bring them a major title and the pressure is on to deliver at this year’s World Cup. Low has led Germany to at least the semifinals in the World Cup and European Championships in his eight years at the helm. Germany looked great in qualifying as they had nine wins and a draw. The team is loaded with talented players all over the field and they really outclass Portugal except for one player and that is Cristiano Ronaldo. If Germany can keep Ronaldo under wraps they should win this match with little difficulty.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The top player in soccer this year has been Ronaldo. He was unstoppable for Real Madrid and he actually had a better season than Lionel Messi of Barcelona. Ronaldo is a great scorer but he does come into this match a little banged up and with some injury issues. Ronaldo will have to get past a very good Germany defense and then he will have to beat one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Manuel Neuer.
World Cup Picks
Portugal is a perennially underachiever at the World Cup and despite their lofty FIFA ranking which is fourth, they are still behind Germany who is second. The only chance for Portugal would be if Ronaldo scores then they might have a shot at a draw. I don’t see Ronaldo scoring in this one so I will take Germany at +120 to get the win.
