posted June 11, 2008 at 19:03 EST in Soccer Articles

The Group B sports betting matchup between Croatia and Germany should be a thrilling football betting match for football fans and soccer betting enthusiasts hoping to for a good score in the betting markets. Both teams had a solid debut in their opening matches and as the top two teams in their group, they will duel for top spot against each other tomorrow. Germany was imperious in its victory, a 2:0 drumming of Poland; meanwhile, Croatia was triumphant – albeit fortunately so with a penalty kick goal – against co-hosts Austria. So will Croatia come unstuck against a technically superior side like Germany, whose vast experience on the international level gives them an added advantage or will the talent Croatians, ranked 13th on FIFA’s world rankings surprise the stoic Germans?

BetUS is taking soccer betting action on this sports wagering matchup – here are the various soccer odds on offer in the online betting market at BetUS Sportsbook.

Group B: Austria vs. Germany

Match Time: 12:00 PM Eastern Time, Thursday June 12, 2008

Venue: Klagenfurt – Wörthersee

Soccer Betting Line:

Croatia +½ +115 +400 Over 2½ +135 Over ½ -145 Under ½ +115

Germany -½ -135 -135 Under 2½ -155 Under 1½ -140 Over 1½ +110

Draw +225

Alternate Soccer Betting Lines: Spread and Total

Croatia PK +290 Over 2 -145 Germany PK -350 Under 2 +125

Croatia +1 -165 Over 1½ -225 Germany -1 +145 Under 1½ +185

Head-to-Head Analysis:

No doubt this will be a great clash between the two winning teams in Group B. In their opening matches, there were marked differences. Germany faced little opposition from Poland – a side that typically comes undone on the world stage. On the other hand, Croatia fell short of the high expectations their debut heralded. Admittedly, they only just got away with the win against co-hosts Austria. Luka Modric’s penalty at the start became the deciding goal. With such a debut even Coach Bilic was not entirely satisfied with his squad.

Germany demonstrated their offensive and tactical skill against Poland – a strategy that will create problems for the Croatians. Especially, as Bilic realised problems on the left wing and moved Simunic into Harnick’s place. An advantage Croatia has – conversely it can be Germany’s as well – that many on the Croatian bench play in the Bundesliga; some of them even were born in Germany, like the Kodak brothers. The players know each other well and there should be very little surprises for both. The two teams respect each other and take their respective threats seriously.

Betting Verdict: This match will be more than mere fighting for points. Croatia will have to play better than it did against Austria. Although the outcome is hard to predict – as both have a quality squad that can seize the victory – the odds for Germany to win on the money line are not worth mentioning. At -135 the profit for soccer bettors would be hardly worth it. Now betting on Croatia, at +400 underdog odds is a risk worth considering. Coach Bilic was part of the golden generation of Croatian players that nicked victories against Germany, namely the 3:0 win in 1998 World Cup. Recreating some of the magic of that glorious time would suit him well as he stands on the sidelines. In the end, with neither team wanting to lose this match, expect a tight game with few opportunities. That’s why I think the Under 2 +125 or Under 1½ +185 (on the alternative spread/totals at BetUS.com) offer the best value.

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.