When I was growing up, one of the classic phrases I learned, and not one that was particularly appealing, was ‘You can never write off the Germans’.
Of course, as numerous football games and many tournaments proved, it was a very true statement.
Indeed, few sports betting fans would act on impulse to bet against Joachim Low’s world champions.
For history tells us the German national team stands largely for major success and sporting excellence.
World champions four times, European champions three times, nearly always there or thereabouts – they have long had a place among the world’s elite.
So even in the Confederations Cup – a glorified friendly of a tournament considered by many as an unnecessary fixture burden in the summer break – you cannot rule out the Germans.
Low may have selected a largely under-strength squad but it remains a talented work in progress, a tournament they will still strive to win, a chance for some fringe players to stake their claim for Russia 2018.
The sheer fact it is Germany and the pressure they will put themselves under means a semi-final berth is a minimum requirement and Low will put that to good use as they take on Cameroon.
Make no mistake, Germany will progress here and after that…well, you can never rule out the Germans!
One thing which is not, yet, as reliable as the Germans is VAR – the video assistant referee system being trialed at this tournament.
It’s led to as much confusion as calm and is one which Chile coach, Juan Antonio Pizzi, admitted had affected his side mentally in their opening victory over Cameroon.
They will need to put that frustration aside as Chile try and move from Copa America kings to contenders for the leading crown next summer.
Victory in the Confederations Cup would certainly go some way to making the rest of the world sit up and take notice of La Roja.
Now is their time – just like opening opponents Cameroon had theirs at Italia 90.
Chile’s traditionally conservative style of play has long been shed and they have discovered and likened a taste for winning.
This is their chance to put down a marker and just a draw against the Aussies would seal a semi-final berth.
It’s hard to bet against them either!
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