Ecuador vs Germany Betting Preview

It will be interesting to see how both Ecuador and Germany approach their clash in Group A, as they have both already secured their place in the last sixteen and either side could face England or, as looks likely at this stage, Sweden. Despite England being hot favourites to beat the Swedes, I'm not entirely sure, as a manager, which side I'd rather my charges face as, to be completely candid, Sweden have looked more dangerous than England going forward in the two respective matches the two sides have played in Group B thus far. In any case, I'd imagine that Germany will be the more hungry going into this fixture, what with the game being in Berlin and the weight of expectation of the host nation's fans. However, the Ecuadorians have exceeded all expectations in this tournament thus far - probably their own included - and have yet to concede a goal, while Germany's defensive frailties were exposed when Costa Rica managed to hit two past Lehmann in the opening Group A match in Munich. If Ecuador - inspired by the lethal combo of Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado - do go into this match with intent, then I'd bet my bottom dollar that this game could quite easily throw up a number of goals, as both sides are habitually attack-minded. But, as I alluded to earlier, I reckon that the hosts will be the more determined - they will be aiming to stamp their authority by winning the group, and lay down a marker. In the case of Ecuador, Luis Fernando Suarez may, although he wouldn't admit it, be just as surprised as me that the South Americans have progressed as comfortably as they have and endeavour to preserve his key men for the next round, thus fielding a weakened side for this game. Given that us punters are very much in the dark as to whether this game will be one which both sides will play to win - and I very much doubt that we will see both fielding their strongest eleven respectively - the best school of thought is to not even entertain the notion of predicting the result. Instead, the wise option is to opt for a bet in the total goals market, and lap up Paddy Power's offer of 21/20 about 2-3 goals. If Ecuador go out with the intention of just getting through the match with one eye on the next stage, Germany will put two or three past them. Conversely, if both go out with intent, they will be cancelling each other out for much of the game and it'll probably culminate in a 2-0 or 2-1 victory for either side, most likely the Germans. Verdict - 2-3 in total goals market @ 21/20 (Paddy Power)