It hasn’t been the most impressive World Cup performance from Germany, but they are where they wanted to be heading into their final Group Stage game. Germany are sitting atop Group B after wins over Spain and China, and they will have the chance to lock up the top spot in the group with a result against South Africa on Monday.
Winning Group B is incredibly important for Germany. The Group B winner has the easiest path to the World Cup Semifinals of any team in the tournament (assuming all the chalk holds), while the runner-up in the group likely has a Round of 16 meeting with the United States. That’s something the Germans definitely want to avoid.
Don't miss this Women’s World Cup match from Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, France at 12 p.m. ET on Monday, June 17, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Germany -1111
South Africa +2295
Draw +910
Over/Under 4
Odds Analysis
They probably won’t earn a point from their World Cup debut, but this has been a successful experience for South Africa. Banyana Banyana have played much better than anyone expected after some disappointing performances ahead of the World Cup, and they can hold their heads high no matter what happens with Germany. Of course, to have a shot of advancing to the knockout rounds, they must beat Germany and then cross their fingers and hope for the best in other matches.
South Africa nearly earned a point against Spain in their opener, scoring a goal early and then holding on until two penalties killed their chances. They hung in there against China too, only losing 1-0 to the Steel Roses on Thursday.
As for Germany, they have not been the offensive juggernaut we all expected. They did not create many chances for themselves in a 1-0 win over Germany in the opener, but teenager Giulia Gwinn bailed them out to give them three points. Germany were frustrated by Spain on Wednesday too. The Germans failed to control the ball for long stretches, yet Sara Dabritz scored just before halftime to give them the goal they needed.
South Africa Player to Watch
Thembi Kgatlana etched her name in history as the first player to score a goal at the World Cup for South Africa, and she is Banyana Banyana’s best hope when it comes to beating Germany. She was named the best player in Africa last year, and she has been a star since joining Beijing Phoenix in China. Kgatlana is incredibly elusive, so if Germany have the same defensive problems they did in the opener, she can make them pay.
Germany Player to Watch
Alexandra Popp is still looking to score a goal at this World Cup. Popp has 46 goals in 98 career games with the national team, but she has only scored once in two previous World Cup appearances. She needs to find a way to get going before the knockout rounds get underway.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The loss of Dzsenifer Marozsan is a big blow for Germany. Their most creative midfielder broke her toe in the opener against China, and they have had a hard time creating offense without her. She is hoping to be back for the knockout rounds, but that might be a little too optimistic given her injury.
Without Marozsan, I think that Germany will be able to notch a result, but I wouldn’t lay the goals considering their form. Look for South Africa to cover for the third time this World Cup.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Odds: Germany 3, South Africa 1
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