The group stages come to an end over the next few days and the first to do so is Group A, with the final games played on Sunday. Germany are putting up a great showing as the hosts, they've won their first two games, are already in the knockout round, and will be looking to keep up their run with a third win in a row. Switzerland are second, and should cling onto that, even if they lose this one.
Switzerland Form GuideThe Swiss have been pretty good so far, though I do think we've seen their limitations already, and up against the better teams in the tournament, I think they'll come undone a little. A win on the opening day against Hungary 3-1, was good, but they only drew their last game, 1-1 with Scotland, and I don't think they played as well in that one.
With four points, and a much better goal difference than Scotland, even a loss here would likely see Switzerland through as the second placed team, it would take a big loss, and a big Scotland win, to turn that around. Where the Swiss have been good has been with taking their chances, they've scored four goals so far, and probably only have six or seven good chances, they've been clinical.
Germany Form GuideGermany have been one of the two most impressive teams in the tournament so far, I've been very impressed with what they've done. They've scored six goals, looked a danger every time they've gone forward, and for the most part, looked very comfortable in defence. No one has scored past them yet, they scored an own goal against Scotland, and they'd love to keep that defensive record going here.
Their 2-0 success over Hungary was comfortable, they never looked in danger. A win here would take them through with a perfect record, but this game is their toughest on paper, against a Swiss side who are ranked better than Hungary and Scotland. But that still puts them some way behind Germany, on both rankings and tournament performances so far.
Match PredictionThere's plenty to like about what Germany have done so far, and I am going to take them to win this game, and end the group stage with a perfect record. They'll want to keep momentum behind them, especially with home advantage for the tournament, so it's a Germany win for me.
