Fact/Opinion: Germany

Fact: Germany is tied with Brazil for most top two finishes in World Cup history (7). And because the 1950 World Cup in Brazil finished with a round robin rather than with ‘knock-out’ rounds, Germany has actually appeared in more championship games than Brazil.

Opinion: Germany and Brazil will stage a rematch of last year’s final, with Germany winning in a penalty shootout. Germany once again is in poor form leading up to the World Cup, just as they were four years ago, and we know what happened then. This year they have the home field advantage. Brazil is still Brazil, head and shoulders above most teams in the world. Of course, at this point last time, I thought France and Argentina were shoo-ins to reach the final.