GERMANY looked like the Teutonic machine of old as they brushed Iceland aside at the start of their World Cup campaign and face another test on Sunday with a trip to a revitalised Romania.
Joachim Low's side were excellent as they demolished a nation that had provided plenty of problems for bigger teams in the past and could and should have won by more.
However, Romania will be delighted at their start to Qatar 2022 too as they beat a North Macedonia side who have qualified for the Euros 3-2 in Bucharest.
But they will face a different animal in Germany as their National Arena with all of their big names – Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry and Kai Havertz all producing impressive displays against the bewildered Icelandic side.
And it will take a massive performance from Mirel Radoi's side to keep tabs with the Germans.
How the bookies view it?
Germany are strong favourites at 1/3 with Unibet. The hosts can be backed at 9/1 with McBookie and the draw is 17/4 with Tonybet.
Recent head to heads
Since German reunification, the nations haven't met in a qualifying campaign. The sides drew 1-1 at Euro 2000 and have met in international friendlies twice since then with a win apiece. The Germans won the last meeting 3-1 in 2007.
Players to watch
Goretzka, Havertz and Gundogan were the scorers for Germany in midweek and the Manchester City man particularly impressed. He's good value at 10/3 with bet365 to score anytime.
Sub Ianis Hagi netted a late winner against the Macedonians after Romania had blown a two-goal lead and the Rangers man could get the nod to start against the Germans. Paddy Power might see interest in their 13/2 price.
Anything else catch the eye?
Romania have played nine games this season, four of those have seen at least four goals and three more have seen five plus. That suggests they will have a go at the Germans, unlike Iceland who were almost completely unable to test them. The 19/10 for Germany to win and both teams to score with BetVictor must have a chance.
Another solid shout is the 5/6 with the same firm for a Germany win and over 2.5 goals at 5/6.
Given Germany had 81 per cent possession against Iceland, they only managed to chalk up three corners for the whole game. Once the markets are set, it could pay to back Romania with a three-corner start to win the flag kick handicap betting at 13/10 with bet365.
Finally, Romania's Nicusor Bancu has been shown a yellow card in three of his last four matches including against North Macedonia. So that 10/3 with bet365 on him being cautioned against a team who will have most of the ball is value.
This World Cup match between Romania and Germany will be played on Mar 28, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Romania vs Germany prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Germany win