Berlin -
The majority of Germans doubt that Joachim Löw's team can defend their World Cup title in the upcoming tournament in Russia, according to a survey published today.
According to the political barometer of the German public television channel ZDF, 54% of respondents do not believe that Germany will win the World Cup, which starts on June 14th.
On the contrary, one in three Germans thinks otherwise. According to the poll, 34% of respondents are convinced that Germany will win the important tournament.
This figure is higher than the one recorded four years ago in the World Cup in Brazil, where only 22% predicted that the "Mannschaft" would become champions, something that eventually happened.
Furthermore, only 2% believe that Germany will be eliminated in the group stage, 3% expect them to be eliminated in the round of 16, 20% in the quarterfinals, 23% in the semifinals, and 5% predict a defeat in the final.
As for the fact that the World Cup takes place in Russia, 30% think it is good, 32% think it is bad, and 37% are indifferent.
The "Mannschaft" will make its debut in the World Cup on June 17th against Mexico in Group F, which also includes Sweden and South Korea. The World Cup will take place from June 14th to July 15th. (D)