Published Jun 9, 4:56am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 9, 4:56am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jun 9, 4:56am ET
One of the biggest mismatches in the opening round of World Cup fixtures this summer will see four-time champions Germany take on debutants Curacao in Houston.
Curacao will become the smallest nation in history to participate at the World Cup, and they will be massive outsiders to upset the odds and reach the next round.
|
|
|---|---|
| Germany | -2300 |
| DRAW | +1800 |
| Curacao | +4000 |
Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany are going under the radar ahead of the World Cup, as not many experts are talking about the four-time champions as being major contenders.
However, since reaching the semi-finals of last year’s Nations League, DFB have been incredibly reliable. They have recorded victories in each of their last nine internationals, which includes four straight wins in 2026.
Scoring goals has been a major strength to their game, scoring six in their previous two. Germany may be light in the certain areas of the field, but their history could make them a very interesting play to win the World Cup.
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It has been a remarkable 18-month period for Dick Advocaat and his Curacao team. For the first time in history, they will be playing at the World Cup.
The Blue Wave secured their spot at the tournament after winning seven of their ten qualifying matches in the CONCACAF region. Much of their squad is made up of Dutch-born players, but their quality did shine in qualifying after scoring 28 goals in ten fixtures.
Despite this, they are expected to struggle against higher ranked nations this summer, reflected after losing fixtures against China, Australia, and Scotland already this year, and conceding eleven goals in the process.
There is a gulf between these nations in Group E. Therefore, it could be a straightforward start to the World Cup for Germany in Houston, as we could see the four-time champions covering the spread.
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Pick
Germany (-3.5) (-105)
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