Germany‘s Women’s World Cup campaign got off to a stuttering start. Despite being one of the fancied teams in France this summer, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side laboured to a 1-0 win over China in their opening group game.
It wasn’t straightforward for Spain either as South Africa took a surprise lead before the pre-match favourites struck three times in the final 20 minutes to seal victory.
Latest odds
William Hill make Germany 4/5 (1.80) to make it back-to-back World Cup wins on Wednesday.
La Roja are 3/1 (4.0) to extend their winning start to the tournament and it’s 12/5 (3.40) about the sides sharing the spoils in Valenciennes.
Team News
Jennifer Hermoso struck twice from the penalty spot in Spain’s opening win. The 29-year-old is 19/10 (2.90) to get on the scoresheet once more and 11/2 (6.50) to break the deadlock with William Hill.
Germany were top scorers in the Uefa section of qualifying for this tournament and will hope for more cutting edge here.
Giulia Gwinn’s winner against China came on the 19-year-old’s first competitive appearance for the national side. It’s 16/5 (4.20) that the midfielder is on target once more.
Preview
Both coaches will be seeking significant improvements after lacklustre showings first time out. Rapid improvement may not be forthcoming though.
Voss-Tecklenburg has a relatively inexperienced side at her disposal and while they should grow in stature as the tournament progresses, it would be no surprise to see another slow start in this all-European affair.
The bookmakers believe an open game is in prospect. William Hill are 8/11 (1.73) about both teams scoring while over 2.5 goals is a 17/20 (1.85) chance with the same firm.
Predictions
Despite goals being on the agenda, it could pay to wait for the goalmouth action to begin.
Germany’s last five games have seen 11 goals with eight of those being scored after half-time. Spain are no strangers to late strikes either, with 69.2 per cent of the goals in their last five outings coming in the second 45 minutes.
With these sides looking likely to battle it out for top spot in Group B, it would be no surprise to see another cagey opening.
William Hill are 19/20 (1.95) about the second half being the highest scoring and that looks a very solid option given the recent performances of both teams.
Highest scoring half (Second) at 19/20 (1.95) for a 3pt stake with William Hill
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