Germany v Ukraine. Tancredi Palmeri’s prediction

It’s the world champions but it’s not the same Germany. They are the favourites here and probably that is justified, but this is mainly down to their superior standing as a footballing nation instead of their recent form. Germany are always capable of turning it on in the big tournaments and they are of course expected to do so again here. Since their World Cup victory almost two years ago though the hunger and solidity is not the same. True, friendlies don’t count that much, but just a of couple of years ago there’s no way that Germany would have lost 1-3 at home vs Slovakia on the eve of a great competition, friendly or not.

Ukraine aren’t a great side, and it is feared that they pin all their hopes on the mercurial talents of Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka. However, attacking players like this will only get them so far, and their effectiveness on the counter will depend largely on the their ability to defend. And if Germany, with the quality in their squad, turn up in this game it could be a tough task for Ukraine. It’s been a tight Euros so far, no game has ended with more than a one goal margin (at the time of writing). Germany can get the better of their opponents here but are fancied to do in tight fashion. Therefore, at appealing odds of 12/5, Germany to by a single goal and draw on the X handicap looks a good bet.