Low demands an improvement as Germany face Spain

In this high profile international friendly, two European heavyweights and recent World Cup winners tackle each other. Spain, who won the competition in 2010, are, perhaps surprising favourites at 6/5 against current global kings Germany, who are 11/5 with Coral.

It is Die Mannschaft, however, that boast the better head-to-head record, with eight wins against La Roja’s seven, while they have also drawn six. Most recently, the teams faced off in the 2010 World Cup semi-final, as Carles Puyol netted a second half winner as Spain kept their opponents goalless. Two years earlier, it was also 1-0 as the Iberians triumphed in the Euro 2008 final.

Isco, at 7/2 to score anytime, is great value following his goal last time out in qualifying against Belarus, while he is 10/1 to net first, having also broke the deadlock. Pedro, meanwhile, is 10/3 in the anytime market, having also scored last time out.

Since a disappointing World Cup campaign in Brazil, Spain, like England, have been a team in transition, though defender Sergio Ramos admits they have a prosperous future. “The team is gelling more and more as time goes by,” he said.

“There will be better performances and worse performances but the new generation is pushing hard,” added the Real Madrid centre back. “They are lads with little experience but a lot of desire and ambition. We can be positive about this national team.”

Germany, meanwhile, were slightly disappointing, having only scored four past largely part-time team Gibraltar. Coach Joachim Low has demanded an improvement from his side.

“We want to end the year by showing once again what we are capable of and if possible win the match,” said Low.

“But it is certainly not about revenge for previous games we lost in 2008 or 2010,” he continued. “That is not an issue for either team. We are missing a few players and the Spanish too.”

Thomas Muller, who bagged a brace last time out, is 9/1 to net two or more against Spain, while Mario Gotze, who scored the winner in the World Cup final, also dispatched and is 7/4 to find the goal anytime. Hoffenheim attacker Kevin Volland, who got his second cap against Gibraltar from the bench, is 2/1 in the same market. However, he has only scored a solitary Bundesliga goal, contributing three assists.