On July 8th 2014, Germany shocked the world as they defeated Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals of their home World Cup to reach the Maracana Stadium showpiece. Joachim Low’s troops were ruthless that day and produced an intense defensive performance under serious pressure in the final to deny Lionel Messi and Argentina a World Cup triumph.

The better side won that day and the best side will win the World Cup next summer – you don’t win a World Cup by getting lucky. Germany, well fancied at around 5/1 to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy for the second time in a row, will be quietly confident of more international glory in the near future and they may even win this year’s Confederations Cup despite fielding a weakened side. Continue reading