The 4 talking points from Germany’s friendly with Cameroon

Germany head to the World Cup in Brazil as one of the favourites for victory, but as their 2-2 draw with Cameroon showed, there are still plenty of issues for Die Mannschaft to iron out.

Available at odds of 5/1 to with the World Cup, Germany will be confident of going far in Brazil, but while on paper they remain one of the undoubted contenders for the title, Jack Beresford has identified four big talking points

Die Mannschaft aren’t as defensively sound as you think – Germany’s reputation as a tight defensive unit may be under question after a 2-2 draw with Cameroon. The Indomitable Lions made hard work of qualifying for the World Cup but looked good going forward against Joachim Low’s team and despite less possession, had double the amount of shots on target compared with their opponents.

Sami Khedira is still struggling for match-fitness – The inclusion of Khedira was always likely to be a gamble for Low, given the midfielder’s recent six-month injury layoff at Real Madrid and the 27-year-old struggled against Cameroon. Lacking match-fitness following a serious knee problem, Khedira failed to provide the physicality and passing that made him a revelation in 2010.

Thomas Muller could be one to watch for the Golden Boot – With Miroslav Klose rested, Germany started the game with Mario Gotze in the centre-forward role. But it was his teammate Thomas Muller who came to the fore in that respect, scoring Die Mannschaft’s equaliser and proving to be their most potent threat, following  a season in which he has managed 13 goals in 31 games,

Erik Durm may have played his way into Germany’s squad – Question marks remain over Germany’s options at right-back and in central midfield but one youngster who may have played his way into the squad is Erik Durm. The Borussia Dortmund youngster played well against Cameroon and could get the nod ahead of Marcel Schmelzer, who is recovering from injury.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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