Two of the early favourites for the 2018 World Cup in Russia meet on Tuesday as Germany face Brazil in a match that could easily be the final in June. Germany are the current holders of the famous trophy while Brazil have won it more times than any other nation. It will be a great indicator of what we’re in store for in less than three months’ time.

STATS

• Germany had an absolutely flawless qualifying campaign as they won all 10 of their matches and finished top of Group C. They were fortunate to benefit from a relatively easy group where their closest competition came from Northern Ireland. The Germans conceded just four goals in 900 minutes of qualifying action. They played out a very entertaining 1-1 draw with Spain on Friday night.
• Other than the hosts, Brazil were the first country to confirm their place in Russia as they cruised to top spot in South American qualifying. They won 12 of their 18 games and finished 10 points ahead of Uruguay in second-place. They faced the home nation away on Friday night and came away with a 3-0 win after being treated to some pretty hostile conditions.
• Despite scoring 43 goals in their 10 games, Germany struggled to find one prolific scorer, Thomas Muller and Sandro Wagner led the way with five goals each.
• Gabriel Jesus was Brazil’s leading scoring in qualifying with seven goals while Neymar and Paulinho both helped themselves to six.

HEAD TO HEAD

Of all the meetings between Germany and Brazil, there are two that will be remembered more than any others. Firstly, the World Cup final in 2002 where a Ronaldo brace won the Brazilians their fifth title in a 2-0 win. Secondly, the 7-1 embarrassment of Brazil by Germany in front of their own fans at the 2014 World Cup. A rout that will haunt football in Brazil for decades as they were dumped out of their own tournament. Each of the last four meetings have seen goals from both sides will the last three have had more than 4.5 goals.

GERMANY NEWS

Germany have been brilliant in their preparation for the upcoming World Cup and they’ll want to carry that on with a professional performance against Brazil. Mesut Ozil, Emre Can and Thomas Muller will all miss out while Sebastian Rudy has re-joined the squad after the birth of his child.

Latest matches: Germany

23.03.2018	Inte	Germany	Spain	1:1	D
14.11.2017	Inte	Germany	France	2:2	D
10.11.2017	Inte	England	Germany	0:0	D
08.10.2017	Worl	Germany	Azerbaijan	5:1	W
05.10.2017	Worl	Northern Ireland	Germany	1:3	W

BRAZIL NEWS

Like their opponents, it is important that Brazil show the world they won’t be easy to beat in Russia. They are, of course, without Neymar who may not even be back in time for June.

Latest matches: Brazil

23.03.2018	Inte	Russia	Brazil	0:3	W
14.11.2017	Inte	England	Brazil	0:0	D
10.11.2017	Inte	Japan	Brazil	1:3	W
10.10.2017	Worl	Brazil	Chile	3:0	W
05.10.2017	Worl	Bolivia	Brazil	0:0	D

SUMMARY

We all know that anything can happen in international friendlies and this one is expected to be closer than most. Without Neymar and away from home, it won’t be easy for the visitors against a very well-oiled German machine but they will put up a good fight. It will be a good indicator of where both sides are in terms of World Cup prep.