It’s lazy to label Germany ruthless and highly efficient but how else do you describe Die Frauenteam as they finally begin their campaign to win the Women’s for a third time?
Well drilled, exciting and dangerous are probably better terms as Martina Voss-Tecklenburg sends out her side for the opening Group H match against Morocco.
Germany won the tournament in 2003 and 2007, were semi-finalists in 1995 and 2019 and have reached the quarter-finals in the three other Women’s World Cups they have graced.
They have always topped their group and such is their all round strength they are 1/20 with most firms to do so again.
That shouldn’t come as any kind of shock as they are the only nation apart from the USA to have won the tournament more than once and put up a brave battle against England at Wembley in last year’s European Championship final before losing 2-1.
Germany naturally represent a daunting opening encounter for Africa Cup of Nations runners-up Morocco, who are the first Arab team to play in these finals.
Some of the so-called underdogs have performed well in the opening group matches, especially Haiti who gave the Lionesses a real run for their money, and Morocco are used to causing upsets.
They defeated 11-time champions Nigeria to reach the Afcon final and Ghizlane Chebbak, the leading scorer in her domestic league, will be a threat.
But Alexandra Popp, our ante-post pick to be the top goalscorer in Australia and New Zealand can lead Germany to a healthy victory.
She scored 16 times for Wolfsburg last season, terrorised Euro ‘22 before picking up an injury as she warmed up for the final with England, and is 7/2 with Betway to break the deadlock against Morocco and 10/11 with William Hill to score at any time.
Germany are 15/8 with Sky Bet to win by over three goals in a performance which should be, well, ruthless and efficient.
Debinha scored five times as Brazil won last year’s Copa America and is 7/2 to open the scoring in the Group F opener with Panama who reached the finals after play-off wins against New Guinea and Paraguay. Brazil are 5/6 with Coral to win by over three goals.
• Kylian Mbappe is at loggerheads with Paris Saint-Germain over a new contract and his future is very much up in the air. He’s 8/1 with bet365 to join any Saudi club this summer but his ideal destination is Real Madrid – although it would benefit his bank account if he waits until next summer when he’s a free agent to move to the Spanish capital. Back him at 5/2 with Sky Bet to still be with PSG when the transfer window closes.
• Kalvin Phillips may be the next Manchester City player to leave the club and Liverpool, seeking new midfield recruits, are 12/1 with Sky Bet to be his next employers.
