Online betting players are getting ready for the end of the World Cup in South Africa, as Germany and Uruguay clash for third place in the tournament. The Germans didn’t show what they were made of in their semifinal match, and they will flex their muscles against the scrappy Uruguayans.
What: World Cup Betting
When: Saturday, July 10th, 2:30 PM ET
Where: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Key Stats: Germany has won six and drawn two of their eight meetings against Uruguay
The Storyline
Uruguay fell just short in their 3-2 loss to the Netherlands, reaching this point of the World Cup for the first time since 1954. The Germans are looking for their second straight appearance in the third-place match after their 1-0 loss to Spain in the semifinals, and they’ve made it to the final four for the third World Cup in a row.
Who Has The Pick On Offense: Uruguay Germany Betting
Uruguay have netted nine goals in this tournament, and their attack is based around the strike pair of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, who missed the Dutch game due to suspension. Forlan is the more important of the two as he has taken to dropping back behind Suarez as more of a playmaker, and he did his best against Holland, but without Suarez the Dutch could focus their attentions on Forlan because Uruguay doesn’t really have an attacking midfielder.
Germany has been one of the great attacking teams of the World Cup, even though they didn’t show it against Spain. Lukas Podolski was quiet, Thomas Muller was suspended, and Mesut Ozil had a couple of dangerous runs, but nothing that would really trouble Spain. In their 4-0 romp over Argentina, Bastian Schweinsteiger controlled the tempo from midfield, and he should be able to do it against against Uruguay.
Pick: Germany
Who Has The Pick In Defense: Uruguay Germany Betting
Uruguay’s defense was shattered against the Dutch, but especially in the second half when Holland brought on Rafael Van Der Vaart, which spread the Uruguayans too thin and gave too much space to Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben. Uruguay were just dragged around by the midfield trio from the Netherlands, and they’re going to have to be more disciplined against the Germans.
The Germans have been sometimes too lax at the back, but they tightened up against the Spanish, to the point where they wouldn’t go forward. Germany let Spain, especially Xavi, have far too much time on the ball, and the marking on the corner when Spain scored was terrible. The Germans are a better defensive side than they showed in the semifinals.
Pick: Draw
Notable Injuries – Uruguay Germany Betting
Forlan left the Holland match after 84 minutes with a thigh problem that he apparently had heading into the game, and he’ll be watched carefully heading into this match.
Miroslav Klose has a back problem that may keep him out of this match, but he’ll do everything to be available as he’s one goal behind Brazil’s Ronaldo in terms of all-time World Cup goalscorers.
Pick: Draw
Totals – Uruguay Germany Betting
The sports betting total for this match is set at 2.5, and given the ability of these two teams to go forward, they should go over. Both teams will also want to go out in a blaze of glory after poor semifinal showings.
Pick: Over 2.5
Uruguay Germany Sports betting & Outlook
The Germans are -150 favorites to win this game for the second straight World Cup, while Uruguay comes in at +420, and a draw is rated at +260. Germany has never lost to Uruguay in eight matches, and they have the edge in this match due to their midfield advantage. Schweinsteiger has been one of the players of the tournament and he must impose his will on the match. The Germans will focus on stopping Forlan, as he’s more apt to create for himself and others than Suarez, and by closing him down, “The Team” will roll to a sports betting win this is match.
Bet World Cup: Germany -150