Germany - Kazakhstan predictions and free betting tips [17/05/2024]

At 14:20, the group stage match of the Ice Hockey World Championship in the elite division kicks off. Fans of international hockey are in for a thrilling showdown between Germany and Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan

The Kazakhstan national team is unique, representing the Asian region with commendable results. Once among the underdogs, Kazakhstan has now solidified its position in the middle of the standings. At the 2023 World Championship held in Finland and Latvia, Kazakhstan performed at an average level and secured their place in the elite division midway through the competition. In seven matches, the Kazakhstani team garnered 7 points, finishing 6th. Norway and Slovenia finished behind them. At the 2024 World Championship, Kazakhstan played four matches, securing only one victory. In the opening game of the tournament, they defeated France 3-1. However, Kazakhstan suffered three consecutive losses, not just to the favourites. While the defeat against Sweden can be attributed to the opponent's calibre, the matches against Latvia and Slovakia were missed opportunities to earn points. Currently, Kazakhstan sits 7th in Group B, only ahead of Poland, which has a solitary point. Kazakhstan's crucial match will be in the final round against Poland.

Germany

In recent years, the German national team has emerged as one of the strongest in world hockey. In 2018, Germany claimed the silver medal at the Olympics, and just last year, they reached the final against Canada, having successfully navigated the group stage and defeated the USA in the knockout rounds. Although they couldn't overcome Canada, the silver medals were still a significant achievement. At the 2024 World Championship, Germany played four official matches, securing two victories against Slovakia and Latvia. While Slovakia was defeated with difficulty, Germany demolished Latvia 8-1. In two other matches against the favourites, Germany didn't perform at their best. Currently, Germany occupies 5th place in the standings, still in contention for qualification. They trail Latvia by just one point. In their remaining three matches, Germany will face the underdogs from Kazakhstan, Poland, and France.

Head-to-Head

Germany and Kazakhstan have faced each other in four official matches. Germany has three victories, while Kazakhstan has emerged victorious once.

Prediction

Germany will win in regulation time. The German team has been rising to the ranks of Europe's strongest teams in recent years, while Kazakhstan's performance this year is significantly weaker compared to the previous tournament. Germany needs this win to aim for a quarterfinal spot.