By 2014_Olympiastadion_Munich_l.JPG: M(e)ister Eiskalt2014_Olympiastadion_Munich_m.JPG: M(e)ister Eiskalt2014_Olympiastadion_Munich_r.JPG: M(e)ister Eiskaltderivative work: Hic et nunc – This file was derived from:2014 Olympiastadion Munich l.JPG:2014 Olympiastadion Munich m.JPG:2014 Olympiastadion Munich r.JPG:, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31724296
Germany have been handed a fairly straight forward qualifying group, with Norway, the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland the teams expected to compete for the play-offs. Joachim Low’s side have already comfortably beaten the Norwegians in their opening fixture and the return to fitness of key players as well as home advantage should play into their hands here. Furthermore the absence of the recently retired Petr Cech will inevitably further weaken the Czech Republic backline.
The German defence, on the other hand, looks formidable with seven clean sheets in their last nine and Jerome Boateng also returning from injury. They’ve scored first in 20 of their last 23 games where there was at least one goal, whilst then Czech Republic have lost the first half in five of their last seven matches. Indeed, in six of Germany’s last nine home games where they’ve led at the break the scoreline has been 1-0, so that’s going to be our selection here in what should be a fairly routine evening for the World Champions.
Recommendation: Germany 1-0 Half Time Score at 3.10
