2018 World Cup: Group F Betting Guide, Predictions, Tips & Odds – Germany, Mexico, Sweden & South Korea
About Group F
About Group FReigning World Cup winners Germany head the draw for Group F, with Mexico, Sweden and South Korea joining them in Russia this summer. Joachim Low’s side have shown no signs of dropping off following their success four years ago, with the European giants having been backed by many to successfully defend their title. With it already looking like being a battle for second place in the group, there is little to choose between Mexico, Sweden and South Korea, while their different playing styles make Group F both difficult to call and entertaining. Mexico are the highest ranked nation behind Germany, with the Central American’s the favourites to join Germany in the knockout stage of the coming weeks.
About Germany
Germany won all ten of their qualifying matches, the only European team to do so, meaning that it comes as little surprise that Joachim Low’s side are once again among the leading contenders to lift the famous trophy on July 15th. Despite the absence of Manchester City’s Leroy Sane have raised several eyebrows ahead of their opening match, Germany have a wealth of talent to call upon this summer, including many of the individuals who led them to glory four years ago. Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil and Jerome Boateng are all likely starters for the European giants, while youngster Timo Werner is a good shout for the golden boot award this year.
About Mexico
Mexico have made it to the Round of 16 at the last six World Cup’s, with the Central American’s set to be an entertaining side once again in Russia. Manager Juan Carlos Osorio led his side to the Finals thanks to a run of just one defeat in ten matches, with the likes of Javier Hernandez, Hector Herrera and Captain Andrés Guardado offering both skill and experience. Meanwhile, 39-year-old Rafael Marquez could well feature at his fifth World Cup.
About Sweden
Sweden defeated Italy over two legs in order to qualify for the World Cup, with the Azzurri failing to score a goal in 180 minutes of football over the Scandinavian side. This demonstrates where Sweden’s qualities lie, with Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof forming a backline that has becoming increasingly difficult to bypass. Despite Sweden no longer being able to call upon Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Emil Forsberg provides a significant attacking threat, with Sweden having drawn with neighbours Denmark in their final warm-up fixture ahead of the tournament.
About South Korea
South Korea’s squad may be dominated by domestic-based talent, however the Asian giants do have some familiar faces within their ranks, none more so than Tottenham Hotspur man Son Heung-min, who has enjoyed a fine season in the Premier League. Head Coach Shin Tae-yong undoubtedly has his work cut out this summer however, with their fourth-place finish at the 2002 World Cup looking like a distant memory.
2018 World Cup Group F Winner Odds
- Germany @4/9
- Mexico @13/2
- Sweden@42/5
- South Korea @20/1
Group F Preview & Predictions
Given their 100% winning record during qualification and their status as the defending champions this summer, it does not take a football expert to know that Germany are the undoubted favourites to top Group F after their three matches. However, with odds on this outcome unlikely to bring about any major earnings, successfully predicting the runner-up in Group F will be much more rewarding. Our prediction is that Sweden will join Germany in the Round of 16, with the Scandinavians having impressed in their playoff win over Italy when reaching the finals.
2018 World Cup Group F Fixtures
SUNDAY 17TH JUNE
- Germany vs Mexico 16:00 – Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
MONDAY 18TH JUNE
- Sweden vs South Korea 13:00 – Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
SATURDAY 23RD JUNE
- South Korea vs Mexico 16:00 – Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don
- Germany vs Sweden 19:00 – Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi
WEDNESDAY 27TH JUNE
- South Korea vs Germany 15:00 – Kazan Arena, Kazan
- Mexico vs Sweden 15:00 – Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg