Pre-matchSaturday, June 20

Die Mannschaft Look to Lock Down Knockout Football Against Stubborn Elephants

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Germany meet Côte d'Ivoire in a Group E clash that could see both sides secure passage to the knockouts, with the market heavily favouring the Germans but the Ivorians carrying genuine threat after their opening wins.

The bookies make Germany overwhelming favourites, and 63 of 74 poolsters agree—but four brave souls have backed the Elephants to pull off the upset, while seven are hedging with the draw.

What's at Stake

Both sides enter Matchday 2 on three points and dreaming of the last sixteen. Germany sit top of Group E on goal difference after their 7-1 demolition of Curaçao, while Côte d'Ivoire claimed second spot with a 2-1 win over Ecuador. A German victory would all but seal their knockout berth and pile pressure on the Ivorians ahead of the final matchday, while an Elephants win would flip the group on its head and leave Die Mannschaft sweating. Even a draw keeps both sides in the driver's seat, pushing Ecuador and Curaçao to the brink of elimination.

The Market's Verdict

The betting markets reflect Germany's pedigree and opening statement, though precise current odds for this fixture remain elusive across major books. Germany are clear favourites given their firepower and historical pedigree, with most expecting a professional home win. The pool's faith runs even stronger—85% backing Die Mannschaft, with 2-1 (26 picks) and 2-0 (18 picks) the favoured scorelines. That suggests confidence in a tighter affair than the Curaçao rout, respecting Côte d'Ivoire's own winning start.

Key Battleground: Midfield Control vs. Counter-Punch

The decisive theatre will be midfield, where Germany's technical superiority meets Ivorian athleticism and transition threat. If Toni Kroos and İlkay Gündoğan dictate tempo, expect Die Mannschaft to carve openings for Kai Havertz and the returning Leroy Sané. But Côte d'Ivoire's dangerman Sébastien Haller—fresh off scoring in their opener—thrives when service arrives quickly, and Franck Kessié's box-to-box engine can disrupt German rhythm. Hansi Flick will demand his fullbacks manage the Ivorian wide threat, particularly if Wilfried Zaha or Nicolas Pépé find space to run at a backline that looked shaky in qualifying spells.

Team News & Expected Lineups

Germany welcome back Sané from a minor knock that kept him out of the opener, giving Flick a full-strength squad. Expect Manuel Neuer in goal, shielded by a back four of Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Niklas Süle, and David Raum, with Kroos and Gündoğan anchoring midfield ahead of Jamal Musiala, Thomas Müller, and Sané supporting Havertz. For Côte d'Ivoire, manager Emerse Faé has no fresh injury concerns after their Ecuador triumph. Look for a compact 4-2-3-1: Yahia Fofana in goal, Serge Aurier and Ghislain Konan as fullbacks, Eric Bailly and Odilon Kossounou at centre-half, Kessié and Seko Fofana in the pivot, with Zaha, Jean-Philippe Krasso, and Pépé supplying Haller up top.

▸Sources (32)