The 2018 FIFA World Cup continues to grip the attention of everyone who loves football and the final game on Saturday sees Germany face Sweden in Group F.

STATS

• Germany started their defence of the famous trophy in the worst possible way as they lost 1-0 to a Mexico side that could’ve scored three or four on another day. It was a shocking defensive performance for the holders as they were left open to the counter-attack on a number of occasions. They need a win to keep their hopes of progression alive.
• Sweden didn’t suffer the same fate in their opener as they squeezed past South Korea 1-0 thanks to Andreas Granqvist’s second-half penalty. It was far from a World Cup classic but it means the Europeans have a great chance of making the knockout stage. Avoiding defeat against Germany would put them in a great position.
• The German attack lacked cutting edge against Mexico so changes need to made in build up to their second fixture on Saturday.
• Without their talisman, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden have struggled to find a replacement striker. They must ensure they take any clear chances because they aren’t expecting many.

HEAD TO HEAD

Germany certainly have the edge over Sweden in their recent meetings as they haven’t lost any of the last seven, winning five and drawing two. The last time Sweden beat the European giants was back in 1942. This will be third World Cup fixture between the sides with the last two coming in 2006 and 1934, the game 12 years ago finished 2-0 to the Germans thanks to two early Lukas Podolski goals.

GERMANY NEWS

Germany desperately need a positive result in this one, they are without one of their starting centre-backs as Joachim Lowe confirmed Mats Hummels will miss out with a neck injury suffered in training.

Latest matches: Germany

17.06.2018	Worl	Germany	Mexico	0:1	L
08.06.2018	Inte	Germany	Saudi Arabia	2:1	W
02.06.2018	Inte	Austria	Germany	2:1	L
27.03.2018	Inte	Germany	Brazil	0:1	L
23.03.2018	Inte	Germany	Spain	1:1	D

SWEDEN NEWS

Any points for Sweden will be positive for their chances but they are without three players due to a possibly contagious illness. Pontus Jansson, Filip Helander and Marcus Rohden are the trio that aren’t expected to feature.

Latest matches: Sweden

18.06.2018	Worl	Sweden	South Korea	1:0	W
09.06.2018	Inte	Sweden	Peru	0:0	D
02.06.2018	Inte	Sweden	Denmark	0:0	D
27.03.2018	Inte	Romania	Sweden	1:0	L
24.03.2018	Inte	Sweden	Chile	1:2	L

SUMMARY

Despite their shocking loss against Mexico, Germany are still big favourites to come out on top and revive their hopes of making the knockout stage. Sweden didn’t have much competition against South Korea so might be caught unaware on Saturday however, they shouldn’t be ruled and will take hope from Mexico’s performance.