Croatia v Germany - Expert Picks

Croatia v Germany
Euro 2008 – Group B
Thursday 12 June, 5pm (UK time)

Croatia and Germany have met on seven previous occasions with Croatia winning just once and Germany winning five times – so the writing would appear to be on the wall here. If Germany reproduce the form from their opener, when they beat Poland 2-0, they should certainly win this. At 5/6 the Germany win though there might be better value in looking elsewhere.

The Germans are now just 10/3 to go all the way in this tournament and another three points against their toughest pool opponents Croatia should underline just how much they mean business.

Croatia's sole victory over Germany came in the quarter-finals of the 1998 World Cup (3-0) so it’s a decade since their last victory over the side. Their only previous European Championship meeting came in the quarter-finals of Euro 1996, when Germany beat Croatia 2-1. We could see a similar scoreline here.
Germany are expected to name the same side that beat Poland 2-0, with striker Lucas Podolski again on the left flank. He scored two goals in the opener and is one of the favourites for Golden Boot. We can certainly see him scoring again here.

As Luka Modric has recovered from a strained ankle tendon Croatia have no injuries or suspensions and should field their ‘A’ team.

However, Germany should certainly have the best of this game and we can see them winning by two goals in what could be a high scoring encounter.
It is also just a matter of time before Miroslav Klose gets on the scoresheet. He has an outstanding record in major competitions – he’s scored 10 goals in World Cup finals – and although he turned provider against the Poles he will be confident of finding the net here.


Betting Recommendations:
2pts on over 2.5 goals at 5/4

1pt on Klose to score first at 9/2 or better