⛅️Friday Forecast: Germany to boss Spain and Russia to upset France? | OneFootball

International football can be a little lacklustre to say the least but the build-up to any World Cup is exciting.

This week, right before the business end of the season, we have the final international break of the season and the final break before things get underway in Russia.

Grumble all you like, there are plenty of reasons to stay glued to your TVs on Friday and Tuesday.

Friday’s games

😀 Game of the day: Germany v Spain

The two true giants of modern European football face off in Düsseldorf. Both will have an eye on proving they are ready for Russia and may want to land an early psychological blow.

While both are blessed with unbelievable depth, Germany are much more sure of themselves. Spain are still finding their way (and their identity) under Julen Lopetegui as they move on from their greatest generation of footballers ever.

👌 Easiest win: Russia v Brazil

Brazil have 13 wins, three draws, and just one defeat since Tite became manager in June 2016. Even without Neymar, he’s likely to field a front three of Gabriel Jesus, Philippe Coutinho, and Roberto Firmino.

Meanwhile Russia won just three of 13 games in 2017 and – bar the Confederations Cup – haven’t played a competitive match since Euro 2016. We can’t see things suddenly falling into place for them against Brazil.

😢 Potential upset: Portugal v Egypt

They may have won Euro 2016 but Portugal did so in unconvincing fashion. Since then, their ageing squad is older still and young players have failed to stay fit and kick on. We’re looking at you, Renato Sanches, André Silva, and Raphaël Guerreiro.

In Egypt they face a side not exactly full of stars but one containing Mohamed Salah. Thanks to him, they’ll always have a shot.

Tuesday’s games

😀 Game of the day: Germany v Brazil / Spain v Argentina

Contenders for the World Cup face off again! There’s every chance two of these four sides will be in the final in Moscow in under three months.

We don’t need to tell you why to watch them.

👌 Easiest win: Colombia v Australia

Is it just us or are Australia not great? They still rely on Tim Cahill and needed extra-time to squeak past Syria on their way to Russia.

If we had to tip one game to go a certain way next week, we’d lump everything we’ve got on Colombia.

They didn’t have a great qualifying campaign themselves but at least they faced South American giants rather than the likes of Thailand and Iraq.

😢 Potential upset: Russia v France

Something about France just doesn’t sit right. With Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, N’Golo Kanté – you get the point – they should be the most exciting national team in the world.

Watching them, though, is often laborious. The players don’t gel together and Didier Deschamps is completely at fault.

Maybe, just maybe, Russia can exploit that and give themselves an enormous boost at just the right time.

Keep an 👁 out for: Netherlands, Italy, Chile, USA

The four countries faced differing levels of difficulty in qualifying and all have differing levels of footballing heritage (our new favourite buzz term). What they shared was enormous disappointment back in October and November.

Everyone was shocked when they failed to qualify for the summer’s tournament and this is their first chance to respond.

Italy and the Netherlands have given themselves tough fixtures this week, USA have named a young squad to face Paraguay, and Chile have the same old faces who aren’t getting any younger.

It’s time to react.