The opening games in Group F gave an indication that not all is right with Germany. The current holders looked well off the pace against Mexico in a 1-0 defeat, with the Central Americans more than matching them in all departments. The Germans, who were many people's favourites to retain the trophy, looked a pale imitation of the side that captured the crown in Brazil four years ago, with many critics accusing them of over confidence, and a lack of preparation.

Poor form leading into the tournament, with the win over Sweden being just their second in six fixtures (the other being Saudi Arabia) seems to have left Joachim Low's men off the boil, and against well drilled sides such as Mexico and Sweden, it seems to have found them out. Against Sweden, they lacked guile and imagination, and were perhaps a little fortunate to emerge victorious, but doing so has given them the chance of becoming the first nation ever to retain the trophy.

With South Korea failing to register a point so far, the side will be keen to ensure that they put in a performance against their much-fancied opponents. They have looked blunt in attack, and unsure in defence, a combination that will surely encourage Germany.

A 2-1 defeat to Mexico has left the side, who finished an incredible fourth in 2002, on the brink of elimination form the tournament. As South Korea's sole threat, it was fitting that Tottenham striker Son Heung-min gave his side fleeting hope in added time with a sublime, curling strike from 25 yards.

Son, against Mexico attempted six of his side's eight shots in the first half - more than South Korea did as a whole against Sweden. He will be key to the Asian's side's chance of progression, although they also need Mexico to beat Sweden for that to happen.

GERMANY

Maybe the burden of being the pre-tournament favourites, alongside attempting to become the first side to retain the trophy, has left Germany feeling the pressure. Their woeful display against Mexico and last gasp winner against Sweeden has left many unsure if they can live up to their billing, although it would be a brave person to bet against the European giants, who are aiming to equal Brazil's record of winning the most converted prize in world football five times.

The squad with which Low has to choose from, would make many of the top teams in the tournament envious, and although they struggled against a dogged Swedish side, the last gasp winner from Real Madrid superstar midfielder Toni Kroos, only highlights their ability to pluck wins out from anywhere. This determination is the German side's prize asset and could be key against a South Korean side who have nothing to lose.

Close attention will need to be paid to Korea's Son, who has at times lit up the Premier League for his club side Spurs, and although the rest of the side lack the star quality to match, his ability to turn a match instantly will give the German defence food for thought.

SOUTH KOREA

With a do or die match in prospect against one of the leading nations, South Korea will be anxious to improve their performance in a bid to miraculously progress to the knock-out stages. Lackluster in their two games so far, the Asian side, who were not expected to progress from a tough group, will nevertheless be disappointed with not only the results, but more so their performances.

South Korea side who like to retain possession where they can, but they will find it almost impossible against the current holders. The Korean's will be more than encouraged by German's performances so far in the tournament. If they can contain their stellar opponents, frustrate them for as long as possible, and attempt to bring in their star man Son, they could well do the impossible.

It will be a tough task for South Korea to emerge from the fixture with anything considering Germany have to win to progress, but if anything has been taught to us so far at this year's competition, it's that nothing can be taken for granted. Set pieces have been a major factor so far in this World Cup, and with the German squad having a significant height advantage, expect them to struggle to contain their opponents in this key area.

HEAD TO HEAD

• Germany 3-2 South Korea (World Cup) - 27th June 1994
• South Korea 0-1 Germany (World Cup) - 25th June 2002
• South Korea 3-1 Germany (International Friendly) - 19th December 2004

CURRENT MATCH ODDS (BEST PRICED ODDS)

Germany: 1/5 - Visit Betfred!

Draw: 6/1 - Visit Paddy Power!

South Korea: 18/1 - Visit Betfair!

SUMMING UP

It is hard to see Germany not emerging from the fixture with all three points, which is the minimum requirement to ensure that they progress through to the knockout stages. With the side showing poor form, Joachim Low will have drilled his side to ensure that they beat a disappointing South Korea. Only a lack of application seems the only potential fly in the ointment for the reigning champions, but they should comfortably beat their Asian opponents.

MY RECOMMENDED BETS

• Mats Hummels to be an Anytime scorer: 6/1 - Visit Coral!
• A 4-0 win for Germany: 10/1 - Visit Paddy Power!
• Thomas Muller to score two or more goals: 11/2 - Visit Betfair!

 Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (22:00 26th June 2018) and are subject to change.