World Cup 2014 Preview, Predictions: Will Germany, Portugal, USA, or Ghana Gets Out of Group G? [Watch, Listen]
Group D is arguably the most competitive group in the World Cup 2014 field, but most people are looking at Group G as the "Group of Death" because it includes two potential contenders a well as two sides that could make some noise and are expected to get out of the group round.
Here is a look at Group G:
Germany
Germany is one of the top contenders in the entire tournament, and manager Joachim Loew has essentially placed an ultimatum: Win or get fired. This team is expected to win every single tournament it competes in and really needs a huge performance here. Of course that was made all the more difficult on Friday when the Germans saw Marco Reus fall to injury. Reus is one of the most essential players to Germany's attack, and his absence could be a major hit to the team's tournament hopes. Of course, Germany has tremendous amounts of depth with such players as Mario Goetze, Thomas Muller, Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil, Julian Draxler, Toni Kroos, Phillipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger, among others. Of great concern is the health of netminder Manuel Neuer who did not see time against Armenia in the team's recent 6-1 win over Armenia.
Portugal
One team that will surely contend with Germany for the top spot in the group is Portugal. The Iberian contingent is coming off a 1-0 win over Mexico in which it generated a lot of scoring chances but also gave up quite a few as well. However, the team was without Pepe and top player Cristiano Ronaldo. The latter has struggled with a lingering injury, but recent reports indicated that the reigning Ballon d'Or winner will play against Germany. Having Ronaldo on the pitch gives Portugal a huge boost since he is playing the best soccer of his career and can create goals from nothing. Ronaldo will be looking to put up a great tournament because he might not get a chance to lead Portugal in four years at the age of 33.
United States
The United States had a terrific run four years ago when they made a run to the round of 16 and won Group C thanks to a historic goal from Landon Donovan. Donovan is no longer on the team, but the Americans still have players like Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard to lead the way. Bradley, in particular, has flourished as the team's creative offensive leader, and he is more than capable of leading this team into contention for a top spot. The American defense is a bit more suspect with the likes of Matt Besler and Geoff Cameron looking unsteady in the middle of the back four.
Ghana
Ghana was Africa's top scoring team, and they will try to leverage their offense into leading them through a hard group. The team has eliminated the United States in the last two World Cups and will undoubtedly face stiff competition in arguably the easiest match of the group. The Germans also defeated them four years ago in the group stage. The team is also well-aware that it is in for a tough game.
Schedule:
June 16: Germany vs. Portugal
USA vs. Ghana
June 21: Germany vs. Ghana
June 22: USA vs. Portugal
June 26: USA vs. Germany
Ghana vs. Portugal
Predictions
Germany is definitely the best team in the group, and despite the loss of Marco Reus, this team should easily take seven to nine points from this group. Portugal should be a better team with Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe on the pitch, and that should propel the team forward. Look for the Iberians to compete for first but finish second. The United States could compete for second, but it needs at least a win against Ghana, a draw from each game against the European nations; that result is unlikely, but the Americans should defeat Ghana. The African team can contend in this group but will likely finish with one to three points at most.
1. Germany
2. Portugal
3. USA
4. Ghana
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