Germany vs Romania
A new era has arrived for the German international team. Not that any real tests will arrive until next autumn.
That is because the World Cup 2022 qualifying is already well underway and it would take a major collapse for Die Mannschaft to miss out now in a group which comprises many middle to lower-ranked nations.
So it is Qatar in late 2022 when the team will be properly judged following back-to-back disappointing efforts in major tournaments – including a World Cup group exit in 2018 which was swiftly followed by a last-16 departure from Euro 2020.
On saying all of that, we could get a further indication of their progression in Hamburg on Friday night.
Talking Points
So far it has been so good as World Cup 2022 highlights go as Germany top Group J and are four points clear of second-placed Armenia.
They netted 12 goals in last three matches last month – albeit against group minnows Iceland, Armenia, and Lichtenstein – and new coach Hansi Flick is attempting to instil an upbeat, high-pressing style in Germany’s squad after the previous era which lasted 15 years under Joachim Low that concluded at Wembley in June at Euro 2020.
There were some joyous moments of course.
Under Low, Germany were crowned world champions in 2014 and reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, losing controversially against the hosts France, but then endured an exit at the group stage of the World Cup for the first time in 2018 while also failing to impress in the inaugural Nations League campaign. Low had previously served as assistant to Jürgen Klinsmann between 2004 and 2006 before being appointed as manager.
It’s now time for a new era, however, and the former Bayern Munich head coach Flick was inspired by what he saw from many of the leading lights at Euro 2020.
In his first press conference as head coach of the national team, Flick said he was impressed with the “enthralling” intensity and passion and would seek to emulate the competitive spirits of Italy and Spain as he pledged to return Germany to glory.
So now we wait and see.
Certainly, Romania should put up limited opposition.
Euro 2020 was a tournament the East Europeans didn’t even qualify for, a nation which has created some wonderful moments in major tournaments led by a true world-class talent but which in recent years have slumped to some heavy defeats.
They should be no match even for a German national team in transition.
History
In 14 meetings since 1935, Romania have only defeated the Germans twice. On both occasions, they were successes in international friendlies.
One was in 1967 against then West Germany in Bucharest when the hosts ran out 1-0 winners.The other was in 2004, also in Bucharest, when a German side containing the likes of Philipp Lahm and Oliver Kahn were thrashed 5-1.
On that occasion, Mihaita Paunel Plesan, Răzvan Raţ, Ionel Danciulescu (two) and Gabriel Caramarin were the marksmen against opponents who struggled in the forthcoming Euro 2004 – failing to win a solitary game.
Historically, all bar three of their meetings have been friendly encounters.
The exception to the rule was in Euro 84 when a double from Rudi Voller – manager during the 5-1 humbling 20 years on – sealed a 2-1 German success.
The nations drew 1-1 at Euro 2000 – again a tournament the Germans would rather forget when it took a Mehmet Scholl strike to rescue the then holders.
Their most recent meeting was in March in Bucharest when a Serge Gnabry goal sealed victory – three points which have helped the Germans take a four point lead in their World Cup qualifying group.
Overall, Germany have nine successes, Romania have two, and there have been three draws.
Betting Tip
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Germany vs Romania | Germany First Half Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 1.86 |
| October 09, 02:45 (GMT+8) |
Romania are well-adrift with the SBOTOP World Cup 2022 betting odds.
As you would expect for a nation ranked 42nd in the FIFA world rankings compared to Germany in 14th, they are priced 1X2 @ 10.50 and Asian Handicap +2.25 @ 2.12.
The hosts are so clear favourites and they can be backed 1X2 @ 1.11 and Asian Handicap -2.50 @ 2.00.
If you predict goals, over 3.50 goals @ 2.04 is among the options which also include total goal 2-3 @ 2.19 and 4-6 @ 2.20.
This ain’t going to be a low-scoring encounter based on total goal 0-1 being available @ 6.00.
Seven months on from their triumph in Bucharest, another 1-0 Germany win will pay out @ 7.80 with Correct Score.
Overall, I find it impossible to see beyond a Germany victory.
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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