Spain vs Germany Predictions

• Germany have scored in 16 of their last 17 matches
• Seven of the Germans’ last nine games have seen both teams score
• Spain’s Ferran Torres was the only player to score twice in their opening 7-0 win

Germany on the brink

After a shock opening defeat, Germany head into Sunday’s clash with Spain knowing that defeat would likely dump them out of the World Cup. This is arguably the biggest match of the group stage and it’s taken on extra edge after the opening round, which saw Spain hit seven goals in a thumping win over Costa Rica.

The omens aren’t great for the Germans, who have lost three of their last four World Cup games, as many as they had in their previous 21. They’ve also struggled against Spain of late, winning just once in their last seven clashes with them. They’ve suffered four defeats against la Roja in that run and things could be about to get worse for the 2014 winners.

Spain show cutting edge

There was little doubt over Spain’s ability in the first two-thirds of the pitch, but their forward line has left a lot to be desired in recent years. They had a tough time getting off the mark at the last Euros, but their opener against Costa Rica brought the Spanish their biggest-ever World Cup victory.

This Spanish side could now do something even the great 2010 side couldn’t – win their opening two games. The Spanish are likely to be full of confidence after a win which saw six different players find the back of the net. Among those was ex-Man City winger Ferran Torres, who had more goals and shots in World Cup qualifying than any other Spain player. He was also the only man to score more than once in their opener. He looks like the biggest threat out of the Spanish front three, so back him to score again.

Germans can threaten

While Spain won to nil in their opener, they have a tougher task keeping Germany out. Germany were the last side to record more than 40% possession against la Roja, who had 81% of the ball against Costa Rica. The Germans can make an impact going forward, having scored in 16 of their last 17 matches.

Germany have seen both teams score in seven of their last nine outings, while they failed to keep a clean sheet in this year’s Nations League campaign. Look to them to struggle at the back again, with both teams to score my main selection here. Given that the Spanish put six past Germany when the pair last met, I’m going for a comfortable win for the favourites with 3-1 my correct score prediction.