2014 World Cup Dates, Schedule and Predictions: Germany Vs. Ghana in Group G Matchup

By Damon Salvadore First Posted: Jun 21, 2014 12:57 PM EDT

Group G is tough. It has some of the most talented players in the world, and all want a piece of that World Cup. Germany appears to be the best team in the group and will take on Ghana on Saturday in Brazil as the 2014 FIFA World Cup rolls on.

An upset is unlikely, but Costa Rica recently defeated Italy and the Netherlands dominated Spain by four goals, so anything can happen. Let's take a look at how both teams may fare in Saturday's big match:

Germany

Germany has been one of the most dominant teams in World Cup history. Every year since 1954, the team has advanced to the knockout round, winning three World Cups in the process. With Spain and England already eliminated, Germany may be Europe's best hope to win.

Germany opened play in Group G -- what many are calling "the group of death" -- with a dominating 4-0 win over Portugal. The team is second overall in the FIFA world rankings, behind only Spain. This squad is balanced, especially on defense. Team captain Phillip Lahm is playing in his third World Cup and finished third the previous two times. Also on defense is the elite Per Mertesacker.

Manuel Neuer is not the greatest goalkeeper in this World Cup, but with a powerful defense in front of him, he might be okay. Germany's midfielders are just as good as its defenders, if not better. Bastian Schweinsteiger is playing in his third World Cup, and he's paired with Lukas Podolski. This midfield controls the ball more than any other country.

Ghana

Then there's Ghana.

Ghana almost pulled off the win against Team USA in its Monday opener, but the late goal by John Brooks meant defeat. Ghana isn't a very established team, but it bring youth and speed. Ghana also doesn't emphasis offense much, as the team will be starting only three forwards. Ghana will need its midfielders to play better than ever in this game if the team is to pull off the upset. After not qualifying for a World Cup for over 40 years, Ghana has made the last three.

If Ghana is going to break the German defense, striker Asamoah Gyan will have to play his best game, as will Jordan Ayew. Ghan comes in ranked No. 37 in the world, and its head coach is James Kwesi Appiah. Appiah once captained Ghana's national team in World Cup qualifying.