Germany vs Japan odds and predictions: Who is the favorite?

Germany go into the match against Japan as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup. Though their team, like many, has been hit by imjuries to players like Marco Reus their strength in depth will be a major boon the deeper they go into the tournament. Hansi Flick’s men will need to buck recent results as his side have only won one of their last seven games.

For their part, Japan face an uphill battle to break out the Group. They have a number of players in Europe’s top divisions such as Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, Monaco winger Takumi Minamino and Sociedad starlet Takefusa Kubo. They could pose problems for one of world football’s heavyweights.

Germany vs Japan: odds

Germany are heavy favourites to win at 9/20 (-222) according to Bet365, while Japan are 11/2 (+550) to triumph.

But after the shock result on Tuesday with Saudi Arabia beating Argentina 2-1, don’t rule anything out. There have already been four draws from nine games too. In comparison to the last World Cup there were eight draws in the entire group stage from 48 games.

Germany vs Japan: prediction

In the last World Cup Germany were humbled as they dropped out at the group stage just four years after winning the 2014 title. They were defeated by Japanese rival South Korea, ultimately picking up just three points in Group F.

Conversely, Japan achieved their joint-best result after reaching the round of 16, losing to Belgium in a hard-fought 3-2 defeat.

Both sides will be hoping for good tournaments and can be encouraged by comfortable qualifying. Due to the quality of Group E, also featuring Spain, Japan know they have to pick up at least a point against either the Germans or the Spanish if they want to reach the next round. While not a group of death by any means, Japan will need a stoic defence to keep the free-scoring Germans at bay.

Prediction: Germany 3-0 Japan