gillsminnow Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Group G Germany are not only the favourites to top Group G at Brazil 2014, the three-time world champions are also one of the heavyweight contenders to take the title. At the last four major tournaments - the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups™ and the 2008 and 2012 UEFA EUROS - Germany have always made it at least as far as the semi-finals. The teams Nevertheless, none of the three opponents should be underestimated. At EURO 2012, Portugal showed they are more than capable of competing with Germany on a good day, even if they narrowly lost that meeting 1-0. The Ghanaians, who will face Portugal for the first time ever in Brazil, will be eager for revenge against Germany after a 1-0 defeat in 2010. The Africans still made it into the knockout rounds, however, advancing at Australia’s expense on goal difference alone. Meanwhile, under the guidance of coach Jurgen Klinsmann, USA have their sights set on emulating their achievements in 2010 in progressing to the Round of 16. Players to watch Cristiano Ronaldo (POR), Mesut Ozil (GER), Kevin-Prince Boateng (GHA). The crunch match USA-Germany, 26 June 2014 (18:00) It is not so much the teams’ respective positions in the FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking that make this fixture so intriguing, but rather the men in the respective dugouts. USA coach Klinsmann was at the helm of the Germany side between 2004 and 2006 and played a significant role in the country’s 'fairytale' World Cup in 2006. After Klinsmann stepped down, his former assistant Joachim Low took charge and has since taken Germany’s game to another level. A look back USA 1-2 Ghana (a.e.t), 26 June 2010 (World Cup Round of 16) The sides put on a thrilling display in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenberg, with Kevin-Prince Boateng putting the Black Stars in front as early as the fifth minute. Donovan took the game into extra time with his 62nd minute equaliser, only for Asamoah Gyan to net the winner and spark scenes of wild celebrations. The victory meant the Africans were the continent’s only representatives at the quarter-final stage. Did you know? Portugal and Germany have played each other at three of the last four major tournaments, with the former coming off on the wrong side of a defeat each time. In 2006 Germany won the match for third place 3-1, then dashed Portuguese hopes of success at the European Championship two years later in the quarter-finals before triumphing 1-0 at EURO 2012. It was little wonder that prior to the draw Ronaldo said “it would be good if we didn’t have to play them.” Fate, it seems, had other ideas. The stat 4 - Each of the four teams reached at least the last 16 at South Africa 2010. Ghana’s victory over the Stars and Stripes handed them a quarter-final berth, where they lost 5-3 on penalties against Uruguay. Eventual winners Spain proved to be too strong for both Portugal and Germany, who succumbed to 1-0 defeats in the Round of 16 and semi-finals respectively. Fixtures 16 June 2014 Germany v Portugal, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 17:00 (ITV) 16 June 2014 Ghana v United States, Arena das Dunas, Natal, 23:00 (BBC) 21 June 2014 Germany v Ghana, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 20:00 (BBC) 22 June 2014 United States v Portugal, Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 23:00 (BBC) 26 June 2014 United States v Germany, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 17:00 (BBC) 26 June 2014 Portugal v Ghana, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00 (BBC) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 Germany Location: Europe Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Berlin Main Cities: Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Essen, Frankfurt Population: 80,942,000 Area: 356,910 km2 Currency: 1 euro = 100 cents Languages: German Religions: Protestant (Lutheran), Roman Catholic National Anthem [video=youtube_share;VhQwLeMcbRY] Shirts Style & formation Blessed with far more flair than many Germany sides of the past, their fluid 4-2-3-1 is underpinned by Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira - recently back from a long-term injury - anchoring the side from the base of midfield. Ahead of them lies creative fulcrum Mesut Ozil, who is usually flanked by the dangerous Marco Reus and Thomas Muller. Strengths They have cover in virtually every position and an extraordinary variety of forward-thinking midfielders. Try picking three from Mesut Ozil, Marco Reus, Thomas Muller, Andre Schurrle, Mario Gotze, Julian Draxler, Toni Kroos and Lukas Podolski. Weaknesses German teams traditionally have a reliable defence but the current one has creaked of late and they conceded seven goals in two qualifiers against Sweden. Per Mertesacker is approaching 100 caps but he has a perceived lack of pace and can be vulnerable to balls over the top. The evergreen Miroslav Klose is just one goal shy of Ronaldo's all-time World Cup finals tally of 15, but he will be 36 by the time the tournament starts and a reliable replacement has yet to be found. Key player Philipp Lahm was described by Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola this season as "the most intelligent player I've ever coached". The best right-back in Europe over the last decade has made a seamless transition this season under the Bayern boss into the Sechser (sixer) position in midfield and may well do the same for Germany. One to watch Earmarked for greatness, Julian Draxler became Schalke's youngest-ever player when he made his debut aged 17 back in 2011. Just over a year later, the gifted playmaker was called up to the preliminary senior squad for Euro 2012. Arsenal are reportedly interested. The boss At the helm since 2006, Joachim Low signed a new contract until 2016 earlier this year but the pressure is on to win a trophy after some agonising near-misses. His win percentage of 68% is the highest of any Germany manager. How they qualified Germany breezed through their qualifying group, only dropping points in a bizarre 4-4 draw with Sweden - having led 4-0. They scored 36 times in 10 matches, with seven of their attacking players totalling three goals or more. World Cup record Germany have reached the final seven times, winning for the third time in 1990. Runners-up in 2002, they were third in 2006 and 2010. Fifa ranking: 2 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover) Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund), Kevin Grosskreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Howedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal). Midfielders: Julian Draxler (Schalke), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich), Christoph Kramer (Borussia Monchengladbach), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich). Forwards: Miroslav Klose (Lazio), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 Ghana Location: Africa Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Accra Main Cities: Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi, Tema, Tamale Population: 16,944,000 Area: 238,540 km2 Currency: 1 cedi = 100 pesewas Languages: English, 50 tribal languages Religions: Christian, Traditional beliefs, Muslim National Anthem [video=youtube_share;IkOts4dwtQg] Shirts Prospects The Black Stars were fancied to repeat, or even improve on, their run to the quarter-finals in 2010 in Brazil. That was until the draw was made and they were pitted with the world's second and third-ranked sides. However, confidence is not an issue in the Ghana camp and why should it be? Their team, offensively at least, is packed with experience and world-class talent. Michael Essien's return has been crucial, while Asamoah Gyan's time in the Middle East hasn't blunted his goalscoring touch. Key player Michael Essien's return from international exile came just at the right time for Ghana. 'The Bison', who says he sleeps for "up to 12 hours a day" was certainly wide awake during the epic play-off thrashing of Egypt where he reminded everyone just how an effective and tactically adept midfielder he is. He has a special bond with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who says he would play him in any position bar "goalkeeper or striker". The boss Former Ghana captain James Kwesi Appiah spent four years as assistant with the national side before his promotion. Softly spoken and unassuming, "I'm a coach who doesn't talk that much", the Ghana players have nicknamed him the 'Silent Killer' and he certainly isn't afraid to take on the big names in his dressing room if they step out of line. He wasn't a popular appointment originally, as he wasn't deemed to be high profile enough. He is the first Ghanaian to lead his nation at a World Cup. How they qualified Having won their group with five wins out of six, Ghana thrashed Egypt 6-1 in the home leg of their play-off to ensure a 2-1 loss in the return leg was academic. They ended as the top scorers in African qualifying with 25 goals. World Cup record In 2010, Ghana seemed certain to become the first African semi-finalists after Uruguay's Luis Suarez was sent off for handling on the line in the dying seconds of extra-time. However, Asamoah Gyan missed the spot-kick and Ghana then lost the penalty shootout. Brazil will be their third successive finals, having first qualified in 2006 when they went on to reach the last 16. Fifa ranking: 38 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (Orlando Pirates), Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset), Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars). Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Platanias), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege), Harrison Afful (Esperance), John Boye (Rennes), Jonathan Mensah (Evian), Rashid Sumalia (Mamelodi Sundowns). Midfielders: Michael Essien (AC Milan), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan), Rabiu Mohammed (Kuban Krasnodar), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese), Afriyie Acquah (Parma), Christian Atsu (Vitesse), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough), Andre Ayew (Marseille), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Kazan). Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke 04), Abdul Majeed Waris (Valenciennes), Jordan Ayew (Sochaux). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 Portugal Location: Europe Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Lisbon (Lisboa) Main Cities: Oporto Population: 9,877,000 Area: 92,390 km2 Currency: 1 euro = 100 cents Languages: Portuguese Religions: Roman Catholic National Anthem [video=youtube_share;GqjdtkWNF60] Shirts Prospects With Cristiano Ronaldo in your team, the sky's the limit. However, getting out of a very tricky group will be their primary objective before they can start thinking of a potential quarter-final against Argentina. The likes of Pepe and Joao Moutinho give them a strong spine, but they remain without a world-class striker, meaning the goalscoring burden rests with Ronaldo. They could be forgiven for thinking they are playing in Lisbon such is the expected level of support for them from the Brazilian public. There have been too many laboured team displays since they were beaten on penalties by Spain in their Euro 2012 semi-final. Key player Who else but CR7? Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo scored 51 goals in 47 club appearances this season and already has a museum dedicated to him. Debate rages about who is better out of him and Lionel Messi, but in Portugal they now argue over who wins out of Ronaldo and Eusebio. Ronaldo has been poor at previous World Cups, but matching Eusebio's nine-goal haul in 1966 would see those debates go on even longer into the night. The boss Paulo Bento was banned for six months after he manhandled officials during a controversial Euro 2000 semi-final with France but he has matured into a top-class coach. Capped 35 times, he has the respect of his players and his greatest triumph has arguably been getting Cristiano Ronaldo, his former team-mate at Sporting Lisbon, to replicate his extraordinary club form on the international stage. Derided in some quarters for so-called negative tactics, he recently had his contract extended to the end of Euro 2016. How they qualified They progressed via the play-offs for the second successive World Cup, with Ronaldo's hat-trick against Sweden equalling Pauleta's national record 47-goal tally. They only lost to Russia in their group but finished second after drawing with Northern Ireland and Israel, twice. World Cup record Portugal are heading to their sixth World Cup. They came third on their debut in 1966 and were also semi-finalists in 2006. Three years ago, they lost to eventual champions Spain in the last 16. Fifa ranking: 3 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Beto (Sevilla), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patricio (Sporting). Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Fabio Coentreo (Real Madrid), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia). Midfielders: Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dinamo Kiev), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting). Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (SC Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Nani (Manchester United), Rafa (Braga), Varela (FC Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 USA Location: North America Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Washington, DC Main Cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco Population: 260,513,000 Area: 9,372,610 km2 Currency: 1 US dollar = 100 cents Languages: English, Spanish, and over 30 others Religions: Protestant, Roman Catholic, Judaism National Anthem [video=youtube_share;jAYPN-1Yjt0] Shirts Prospects Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann says the minimum aim is to reach the knockout stage, and a national record 16 wins in 2013 - including against an admittedly depleted Germany - gives cause for confidence. Defence is a concern and then there's the lack of continuity - 37 players were used in qualifying. Key player With eight goals during the qualifying campaign, and 36 in 103 caps, captain Clint Dempsey continues to provide the attacking thrust he demonstrated so regularly in the Premier League with Fulham and Tottenham. An honourable mention, too, for Sunderland forward Jozy Altidore, who excelled during the final qualifying group phase. The boss Since taking over three years ago former Germany player and head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has led the US to a series of notable results. These include their first victories away in Italy and in Mexico, a debut win in Jamaica in a World Cup qualifier and a victory over his native Germany. This, plus a record-breaking 12-game winning sequence in 2013, led to his contract being extended to end of the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia. His new deal, signed in December 2013, also gives him the extra title of the US Soccer Federation's technical director. How they qualified They recovered from an opening 2-1 defeat by Honduras to finish four points clear at the top of the six-team final group phase, winning all five home matches. World Cup record The USA will be playing in their 10th World Cup, and seventh in succession. They were third in 1930 and quarter-finalists in 2002, losing 1-0 to Germany. Fifa ranking: 14 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake). Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders). Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City). Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gorando Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 I do wonder where do you get these population figures from? :confused: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 I do wonder where do you get these population figures from? :confused: I wonder why, instead of people bitching and moaning, they don't supply the correct ones. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD nawrat Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Portugal are 3rd in the world?! Thought that was an incorrect fact at first but having looked it up, you're absolutely correct there. No idea how they're so high tbh. One-man team. A lot of very average players in that Portuguese side and if not for Ronaldo they wouldn't have even qualified for the tournament... they'll do well to get out of that group and if they manage it, it'll be thanks to the King - CR7. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubenJ Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 A lot of very average players? What are you smoking? Their first 11 has players all in top clubs, of which 3 are starters at Real Madrid. One of the best defences, one of the best attacks, and a solid midfield that many countries would be delighted with. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lermon Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 The group of death. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lermon Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Portugal are 3rd in the world?! Thought that was an incorrect fact at first but having looked it up, you're absolutely correct there.No idea how they're so high tbh. One-man team. A lot of very average players in that Portuguese side and if not for Ronaldo they wouldn't have even qualified for the tournament... they'll do well to get out of that group and if they manage it, it'll be thanks to the King - CR7. To be fair they were easily 3rd/4th best in the Euros with their all-round play. They drew with the dominating Spain in the semis of that as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
football_master_94 Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Portugal are 3rd in the world?! Thought that was an incorrect fact at first but having looked it up, you're absolutely correct there.No idea how they're so high tbh. One-man team. A lot of very average players in that Portuguese side and if not for Ronaldo they wouldn't have even qualified for the tournament... they'll do well to get out of that group and if they manage it, it'll be thanks to the King - CR7. Oh my, the state of this - 'One man team'; 'average players' etc Wow.They've got some really good players in their side and as an all round unit, they're a good side (granted, not as good or as deep as some other sides but Portugal are no mugs tbh). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubenJ Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 A side like that + Ronaldo should always be considered as one of the outsiders for the World Cup. I mean, compare their players with Brazil for example. Brazil is a favourite for everyone, but the quality of their players is not that much better than Portugal (if at all). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReggaeBwoy Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Is it very likely that Ronaldo will miss the opener then? If it is true what that witchcraft guy said he will miss all the group games but with or without Ronaldo I think this is the toughest group to predict. For some reason I reckon Germany will finish 1st but 2-4th is anyone's guess. I reckon Ghana might get 2nd spot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astafjevs Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 A side like that + Ronaldo should always be considered as one of the outsiders for the World Cup.I mean, compare their players with Brazil for example. Brazil is a favourite for everyone, but the quality of their players is not that much better than Portugal (if at all). I think most of Brazil's XI is vastly superior to Portugal's. Of the Portuguese team, I'd take Rui Patricio, Moutinho and Ronaldo for Brazil's XI. That's it. And I'm not sure Moutinho is that much better, he's just a player Brazil could do with. A different type of player. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baptista_8 Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 An in-form Nani would be in there as well for the right wing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astafjevs Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I wouldn't take Nani over Hulk, even with all the criticism the latter receives. I like Nani, but he hasn't played consistently well for a couple of seasons. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD nawrat Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Nani hasn't had two good games in a row in his career I don't think (not being entirely serious but it displays my point well I think) Portugal's class players? Let's see... Coentrao, Pepe, Moutinho and Ronaldo. The rest are average and are no better than their English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Argentinian or Brazilian countrparts. Portugal are, at best, a quarter final team. And that's only if the draw favours them. I will be surprised if Portugal get far in this tournament. They just don't have the quality across the board. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyNameIsJohn Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Any Germans on here? What's the back four going to be? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kontermann Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Lahm-Mertesacker-Boateng/Hummels-Durm Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyNameIsJohn Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Cheers. Are we (you!) going to know who of Boateng and Hummels before the first game kicks off? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kontermann Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 I´d say Boateng tbh but i am not Low Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD nawrat Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Surely has to be Hummels? Boateng is good at best. Mediocre compared to Hummels. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
football_master_94 Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Why don't they just play Boateng-Hummels-Mertesacker-Lahm? That's pretty much their best combination at the back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astafjevs Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 That's what I thought they were going to do. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyNameIsJohn Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Boateng looks to have been favoured through qualifying. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Gonzo Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Why don't they just play Boateng-Hummels-Mertesacker-Lahm? That's pretty much their best combination at the back. That's one very likely formation. It's really hard to predict as there are many ifs and maybes. Is Khedira fit enough? If not Lahm is likely to play in midfield. Mertesacker (guaranteed starting spot) and Hummels are both on the slow side. Can you play these two against very fast and agile strikers or will the faster Boateng be preferred? Is there a need for rotation to bring in very fit players like Großkreutz or Durm who can play on both sides?... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottMac Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Think Germany and Portugal could draw the opening game but still expect them both to go through. Ghana have decent forward players so think they have enough to finish above USA. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kontermann Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 That's one very likely formation. It's really hard to predict as there are many ifs and maybes. Is Khedira fit enough? If not Lahm is likely to play in midfield. Mertesacker (guaranteed starting spot) and Hummels are both on the slow side. Can you play these two against very fast and agile strikers or will the faster Boateng be preferred? Is there a need for rotation to bring in very fit players like Großkreutz or Durm who can play on both sides?... Lahm will never play on the left again, only in an emergency which isnt the case. Höwedes will do fine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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