World Cup Group F Betting Tips, Fixtures and Odds

Group F Fixtures (all times are UK)

• Germany v Mexico – Sunday 17th June, Moscow – kick-off: 16.00
• Sweden v South Korea – Monday 18th June, Nizhny Novgorod – kick-off: 13.00
• South Korea v Mexico – Saturday 23rd June, Rostov-on-Don – kick-off: 16.00
• Germany v Sweden – Saturday 23rd June, Sochi – kick-off: 19.00
• South Korea v Germany – Wednesday 27th June, Kazan – kick-off: 15.00
• Mexico v Sweden – Wednesday 27th June, Ekaterinburg – kick-off: 15.00

Preview and Analysis

It is clear that Germany are the best side in Group F. They are ranked the best side in the world by FIFA, they head to Russia as defending champions and they have vast tournament know-how. The clichéd adage is that you should never right the Germans off but we doubt anyone will be doing that this time around.

They have scary strength in depth, numerous players who have won major club and international honours, a defined system of playing and a manager who has led his side to glory before. In all areas of the pitch they have world class players and it is easy to see why they are the World Cup outright winner second favourites.

Barring a major disaster, Germany should make the semi finals at least and we think they will top the group. At the other end of the table, we think that South Korea will be picking up the wooden spoon and if they manage to get two points they will have done very well.

From a betting perspective we think the interest in Group F lies in deciding who will nick second spot behind Germany and our call is Sweden. It seems almost certain that they will be without Zlatan, at least in a playing capacity. However, Sweden’s strength is their unity and spirit, which combined with the brilliant support they always get at major tournaments from the travelling masses of yellow and blue fans should just give them the edge.

Mexico may edge them in skill and technique but physically we think Sweden will make things very tough for Mexico. The Swedes pushed France very hard in qualifying and finished second in their group ahead of Holland. They then saw off Italy in the play-offs and that will have given them a huge confidence boost.

In contrast, Mexico play most of their competitive games against very weak opponents in the CONCACAF region. This is a big step up for them and when it comes down to it we think they will fall just short.

Conclusion

In truth we see this one going more or less as expected. It would be something of a surprise if Germany didn’t show their class and win all three games. It would be a huge shock if they didn’t top the group and that is reflected in the odds.

Equally we struggle to see how the least fancied nation in Group F, Korea, AKA South Korea, AKA Republic of Korea, can avoid the fate the oddsmakers foresee – them finishing bottom of the pile.

It is the “middle” two teams where the interest lies in this group and there really isn’t much between Mexico and Sweden. On many possible areas of comparison, from FIFA ranking to World Cup experience and from our assessment of their squads to the bookies’ odds, they are hard to split.

Ultimately we just feel there is a little more value in backing Sweden to make it through to the last 16. The clash between the two in the final game of the group is almost certain to be decisive and we think that the Scandic side can just about do enough.