2022 World Cup picks and predictions: Germany-Japan, Canada-Belgium
Wednesday’s World Cup slate could be a real miracle.
While three of the four matches feature clear favourites, there are a few underdogs on Matchday Four who have high caps and could cause a lot of trouble against the chalk.
Let’s start with a match between Japan and Germany.
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Japan vs Germany Prediction
Germany and Spain are the two big favorites to get out of Group E, but neglecting Japan would be a big mistake. Although Samurai Blue lacks the star power and depth that the two European giants possess, Japan have enough technically gifted players and play an exciting style that could give La Furia Roja and Die Mannschaft problems if they are not on the song.
This is especially true against Germany, who are using a very aggressive approach under Hansi Flick.
Against most underdogs, Germany can afford to send as many players as they want, but that kind of philosophy plays directly into Japan’s strengths. At their best, Samurai Blue are a frantic, pressing team that want to force turnovers deep down the court and then counter as quickly as possible.
Germany have players who can handle an energetic press – the Bundesliga is full of teams that play like Japan – but that doesn’t mean they won’t be responsive against a talented, dangerous and thrilling underdog on Wednesday.
Choice of Japan against Germany
Pick: Japan (+600, FanDuel)
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Prediction Canada vs Belgium
The horizon is in sight for the Belgian Golden Generation. The Red Devils have been among the most talented teams in international football for the past 10 years. Still, Father Time have caught up with Roberto Martinez’s side, putting a damper on expectations of a side that were among the favorites to win four years ago.
On the other side of the ball, Canada’s golden generation is just beginning. Led by legitimate stars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, the Maple Leafs are making it to the World Cup for only the second time and the first time since 1986. And they’re not just here to play tricks.
Although they don’t have a deep squad, the Canadians are an outstanding defensive team that play a well-organized defensive style that worked brilliantly in CONCACAF qualifying. Whether the Canadian defense can handle an attack as robust as Belgium’s remains to be seen, but there are also many questions to be asked about the Belgian defence.
Like Germany, Belgium prefer to play a high-risk, high-reward style that puts their creative players in control of the game. This romantic philosophy has helped make the Red Devils one of the most exciting teams in the world, but it’s also a dangerous game to play because it leaves a lot of work for the backline. In previous years, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and the Belgian rearguard could handle this kind of mission. Still, they are now in the final stages of their respective careers, and there isn’t much help in the ranks.
A direct, counter-attacking team like Canada could cause enough trouble to warrant a moneyline bet on Wednesday afternoon.
Selection Belgium vs Canada
Canada (+550, FanDuel)
New York Post
