USA - Germany predictions and free betting tips [11/05/2024]

Today, the US and German national teams will play in the second round of the Ice Hockey World Championship in the Czech Republic.

Current form of the USA team

The USA team embarked on the World Championship 2024 on a sour note, taking a beating from Team Sweden with a scoreline of 2:5. Despite high expectations and a formidable line-up of players, the Americans couldn't assert dominance on the ice. Their opening encounter ended with the Swedes upsetting the Americans, piling two goals into an empty net in the final minute to push the USA to the bottom of Group B. The defeat was particularly bitter for Team USA, who haven't clinched gold at the World Championships since 1960 and have experienced setbacks in playoffs at recent tournaments.

During the Sweden clash, the American team showed initiative mainly in the first line, while the rest of the players failed to live up to expectations. This gap in collective performance severely dent their chances of success. After the loss, the American team is looking to earn their first points in their next match against Germany. Coach John Hynes' squad is hopeful of turning the tide, starting with a win against less formidable opposition.

Current form of Germany team

The German team demonstrated impressive form during the last Ice Hockey World Championship, reaching the finals and earning silver medals. The encounter featured high scoring action with Team Germany pulling ahead with effective plays in the second and third periods. After their amazing final run last year, where they started with three defeats but remarkably overcame Switzerland in the quarterfinals and the USA in the semifinals before conceding the final match 2:5 against Canada, expectations are high for this team.

Leon Draisaitl from Edmonton Oilers will reinforce the team once he can join after the conclusion of the NHL club season, although it's uncertain if he'd be available during the group stage due to the Oilers' potential playoff run. In this championship, Germany continues to exhibit its competitiveness. An important subsequent challenge will be the match against Team USA, where the Germans aim to showcase their strengths and consolidate their group position with ambitions of securing a playoff spot and reliving last year's success.

Head to head encounters

In May 2023, the teams faced each other twice during the World Championship. The last match on 27 May ended with a victory for Germany in the overtime with a score of 4:3, and in 15 May, USA tasted success with a score of 3:2 against Germany. At the 2022 Winter Olympics in February, USA marginally claimed a 3:2 win. In June 2021, during the World Championship, the Americans asserted their supremacy with a 6:1 thrashing that marked one of the significant losses for the German team.

Match Prediction - USA vs Germany

Traditionally, the Americans have started off weakly, but their attacking prowess is warming up, while Germany is no longer perceived as an easy target. I anticipate a thrilling match with a total over of 5.5 goals. I don't envision the USA winning easily, Germany is expected to score 1-2 goals without a doubt.