Germany and Portugal play each other in Group G encounter of FIFA World Cup 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Mesut Ozil of Germany
In the last four meetings between these two teams in senior international match, Germany has been victorious three times while Portugal have won just once. The recent meeting between these sides was in 2012 when Germany beat Portugal by 1-0.
Germany played three friendly matches before coming to Brazil for their World Cup campaign. They were held for a 2-2 draw by understrength Poland side against experimental Joachim low’s side. They then played a 2-2 draw against Cameroon. They ended their warm up friendlies with a 6-1 win over Armenia, but the match was marred y injury to Marco Reus who is now out of World Cup.
Portugal also played three friendly matches as part of their World Cup preparations. They were held for a goalless draw against spirited Greek side. They then played Mexico in the second match and won 1-0 against them. The last match against Northern Ireland was a goal fest and they won 5-1 with injured Cristiano Ronaldo playing some minutes as well.
Team News:
Germany manager Joachim Low has some tough decisions to make as he looks to play Mario Gotze up front with Muller, Ozil and Podolski straying just behind. There is a fight for a spot in the right back with Jerome Boateng and Benedikt Howedes vying for the spot, which looks to be won by the later one. Bastian Schweinsteiger is still not 100% fit so Samo Khedira is likely to partner Phillip Lahm at the midfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo was seen putting an icepack in the training but the news is that he will be fit enough to start against Germany in their opening match. Hugo Almeida will lead the attack with Varela and Ronaldo in either wings. William Carvalho will play in defensive midfield with Moutinho and Meireles in either side.
Probable Starting Lineup:
Germany:
Formation: 4 – 2 – 3 – 1
Manuel Neuer (GK) : Benedikt Howedes, Per Mertesacker, Mats Hummels, Erik Durm: Sami Khedira, Phillip Lahm: Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Lucas Podolski: Mario Gotze
Portugal:
Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
Rui Patricio (GK) : Fabio Conetrao, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Joao Pereira: Joao Moutinho, William Carvalho, Raul Meireles: Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Almeida, Silvestre Varela
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