class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With a strong squad and plenty of match practice under their belts, Al Hain-Cole expects the Selecao to prove too strong for Kuntz's team

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Brazil will kick off their Olympic gold medal defence with a heavyweight clash against Germany in Yokohama on Thursday.

The Selecao ran out tournament champions on home territory at the 2016 Olympics, securing gold for the first time in their history.

Brazil vs Germany latest odds

Having beaten this very opposition in the final five years ago, Brazil are even money (2.00) favourites with bet365 to get off to a winning start at the Nissan Stadium.

That silver was Germany’s first Olympic medal since the country was reunified, but they are available at 14/5 (3.80) to begin their quest for more glory with a high-profile victory against the holders.

The 2016 final was decided on penalties after a 1-1 draw, and you can get odds of 23/10 (3.30) on the sides cancelling each other out once again here.

Brazil vs Germany team news

Captain Dani Alves, Sevilla’s Diego Carlos and goalkeeper Santos are the three overage players in a squad that also includes Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, Everton’s Richarlison and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.

Nadiem Amiri, Maximilian Arnold and Max Kruse are the three over-23 players in Stefan Kuntz’s team, with Yokohama FC goalkeeper Svend Brodersen hoping to impress in the city where he plays his club football.

Brazil vs Germany preview

After getting a taste for gold at the last Olympics, the holders clearly mean business in Japan – putting together a strong squad led by the most decorated player of all time in Dani Alves.

What’s more, they come into these games well prepared after going through South America’s two-stage pre-Olympic qualification tournament, winning five and losing none of their seven matches.

In contrast, Germany have played just one friendly match in preparation, a 1-1 behind-closed-doors draw with Honduras that came to a premature end with five minutes to go as the team left the field following the racial abuse of Jordan Torunarigha.

Brazil vs Germany predictions

In high spirits after putting five goals past the UAE last week, a strong Brazil team looks well worth those even money (2.00) odds to overcome an inexperienced German side in Yokohama.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.