Germany Women vs Nigeria Women Predictions

Germany have enjoyed something of an uncomplicated journey to the last-16, winning each of their three group games without conceding a goal. After making light work of topping their group, the Germans will fancy themselves to get the better of a Nigeria side that came through as one of the best third-placed sides.

It’s hard to criticise the way that Germany have performed in France. Much was said about how they didn’t dazzle against China on match-day one, though they still dominated and ultimately found a way to win, while they were in command against a useful Spain side when winning second time out too. Against a weak South Africa side last time out, the Germans continued to build momentum, scoring four goals and conceding none in the process.

The efforts of Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s women, at both ends of the pitch, have been admirable. Not only have they scored six goals and conceded none at this tournament, but they’re averaging a pleasing 2.74 expected goals for and have shipped an average of only 0.54.

In contrast, Nigeria had struggled to create more than their opponents. The Nigerians come into this last-16 tie having averaged just 0.48 expected goals for in France, while they’ve surrendered an average of 1.62.

On the face of it, Nigeria did well to hold France till ten minutes before the end, though considering that they conceded 2.54 expected goals and posted a measly 0.02 for, they were fortunate to avoid losing by a great margin. The fact that Thomas Dennerby’s have been bettered in terms of expected goals in each of their three games at this tournament is worrying ahead of a match against a side that creates plenty and gives very little away.

From a betting point of view, ‘Germany to Score Over 3.5 Goals’ stands out as a solid option. Anybody that doubted the Germans ability to score plenty of goals saw what Die Nationalelf are capable of last time out, as they created 3.8 expected goals for and scored four goals against South Africa.

Nigeria are a slightly better side than South Africa, though efforts against France, who really ought to have scored a couple more goals, last time out suggest that they’ll struggle against the powerful and efficient Germans. After all, Norway, who’re not as good as Germany in the final third, scored three goals against the Nigerians on match-day one.