Germany heavily favoured against Ivory Coast in Group E clash

Germany's opening performance set a compelling tone for their tournament. Julian Nagelsmann's side dismantled Curaçao with a dominant display that showcased breadth and depth in attack, with goals flowing from multiple sources including Kai Havertz's double, Jamal Musiala's clinical finishing, and contributions across the midfield. The efficiency and confidence on display suggested a team operating near its peak early in the competition.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, engineered a resilient opening-day result against Ecuador. Amad Diallo's 90th-minute winner delivered the decisive moment after a tightly contested affair, with 19-year-old Yan Diomande proving a threatening presence down the right flank. The late success—securing three points against a side ranked higher in the FIFA standings—demonstrated composure and match-winning mentality despite not dominating proceedings.

The Elo model grades Germany as substantially stronger, reflecting their pedigree, depth of international experience, and the convincing nature of their Curaçao display. The model's probability assessment sits materially above the market's implied odds on Germany. However, the market has priced the Germans at a level that suggests a genuine favourite's position, with Ivory Coast given meaningful outsider odds. The draw carries minimal prospect in the pricing.

Ivory Coast arrive as the reigning AFCON champions and possess attacking talent including Diallo, Diomande, and Elye Wahi, whose recent form at club level was sharp. Wahi himself has indicated belief that Ivory Coast can compete at the highest level this tournament. Defensively, they showed discipline in their opener and will hope to replicate that resilience against a German side that, despite their prolific output, offered moments of vulnerability at the back against Curaçao.

Germany's attacking potency is undeniable, yet a Group E meeting offers Ivory Coast a genuine platform. The desk's edge sits with Germany, though not to an extent that renders the outsider's position indefensible on the day.