The 2018 World Cup was the first time since 1998 that Germany did not reach at least the semifinal. They had been on the podium for four straight World Cups. It was also the second time ever that Germany did not at least reach the quarterfinals.
Japan qualified for their first World Cup in 1998 and have not failed to qualify since then. Unfortunately for them, they have never surpassed the Round of 16 and have only advanced out of the group stage three times.
- Looking to wager on sports? Head to The Game Day for the latest sports betting odds.
Can Germany redeem themselves and return to the World Cup finals? Will Japan finally advance past the Round of 16?
Let's dive into current betting odds to uncover the best bets and props for this Group E match between Germany and Japan.
Germany vs Japan Current Odds
- 3-way handicap: Germany (-250) | Draw (+375) | Japan (+650)
- Draw No Bet: Germany (-750)| Japan (+475)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (-160) | Under 2.5 (+115)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (-115) | No (-120)
Germany vs Japan odds are current as of Friday, Nov. 4, from BetMGM Sportsbook (unless otherwise noted).
Germany are strong favorites in this contest, but Japan cannot be counted out so quickly. They have the international pedigree and talent offensively to give any nation trouble at this World Cup.
The oddsmakers also expect at least three goals scored with the Over 2.5 juiced to (-160).
Germany vs Japan Prediction
Germany 2-1 Japan
Japan possesses the talent to put up a fight and possibly pull off the upset in the opening match of this group.
On the other hand, Germany’s recent form in international play is shaky at best, as they finished third in their group in the Nation’s League and lost in the Round of 16 against England during the 2020 Euros.
This is, however, the first major tournament for new coach Hansi Flick, who previously served as an assistant under Joachim Löw. Flick likes to employ a 4-2-3-1 and will focus their attack from the wings.
The Germans have a plethora of talent at each position, and a starting 11 is hard to predict. The role of CF, however, has become clear.
Timo Werner will unfortunately miss out on the World Cup due to injury, which leaves Kai Havertz as the only option up top for the squad.
They will have a lot of speed on the wings in Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry, Jonas Hofmann, and Jamal Musiala. Captain Thomas Müller will play right behind the striker in a connecting role.
Germany also has the advantage with a majority of the team playing together on a daily basis at Bayern Munich.
Japan likes to focus their offense on the counter attack, with their fullbacks making their way up the pitch and attacking the opposing CB. The key player for Japan will be midfielder Daichi Kamada, who will play the CM role for the team.
Young Arsenal right back Takehiro Tomiyasu will be charged with manning the right side of the defense and will charge up the pitch on the attack. At the same time, Japan does have the attacking talent up top with Kyogo Furuhashi and Takefusa Kubo.
Germany vs Japan Betting Tips
- Germany has never lost to Japan in International play with two wins and two draws.
- Japan are arguably the best side in Asia, winning the Asia Cup a record four times. However, South Korea did finish in fourth place at the 2002 World Cup.
- In 2018, Japan topped Senegal to advance to the Round of 16 on a tiebreak that was based on the fewest number of yellow cards. They played Belgium tough in the knockout stage before losing 2-3 to the European giants.
Germany vs Japan Best Bets
➕ Germany to Win and Both Team to Score (+195)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The German defense has been a weak point for the team recently and have struggled against the counter attack. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in seven straight matches that were not friendlies.
This will be a fast-paced game with goals from both teams, but the experience and edge goes to Germany.
- Click to bet on this prop at BetMGM. Get up to $1,000 Risk-Free when you create a new player account or use promo code GOAL1000.