Photo: Ozil and Ronaldo (Getty Images)
The games are coming thick and fast in the FIFA World Cup and yet another big and exciting encounter on the cards. One of the hot favourites Germany will take on World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team. This is a very important game for either team with matches against Ghana and the Unites States to come.
Joachim Low’s Germany has been battered and bruised with injuries to many key players. Striker Mario Gomez had a torried time with injuries in his debut season in the Serie A with Fiorentina and didn’t even make the provisional 30 man squad. Midfield maestro Ilkay Gundogan could not recover from a back injury suffered last August and missed the entire season.
Injuries Lars Bender, Sven Bender and Marcel Schmeltzer has also hurt the Germans. However, the injury to Marco Reus was a hammer blow because he is their best attacker on form scoring 23 goals and bagging 17 assists last season ending in May in all competitions.
Portugal however has a healthy team with only their talisman Ronaldo having any issues with injury. Paulo Bento would have been happy that his team is healthy even though Pepe had a minor issue with his fitness.
Low should be able to recall Manuel Neuer in goal after a shoulder injury while Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and Per Mertesacker of Arsenal should start in central defense. Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng could start at right back even though Kevin Grosskruetz could get the nod while young Erik Durm may start at left back.
Skipper Philipp Lahm should be partnered in central midfield by Toni Kroos while Bayern’s Mario Gotze, Mesut Ozil of Arsenal and Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle should start behind Miroslav Klose up front. Bastian Schweinsteiger may have to settle for a place on the bench as he is yet to reach full fitness.
Bento will have Sporting Lisbon’s Rui Patricio in goal with Pepe and Bruno Alves expected to start in central defense. Real Madrid’s Fabio Coentrao will start at left back with Joao Pereira of Valencia at right back.
Young sensation William Carvalho of Sporting should take his place in central midfield with Dynamo Kyiv’s Miguel Veloso and dictator Joao Moutinho of Monaco. Ronaldo and Manchester United’s Nani should provide the attacking threat supporting Lazio’s Helder Postiga up front.
This game promises flair, craft and entertainment as these two teams love to attack. They play a good brand of football and with Ronaldo, Ozil, Nani and Gotze on show the fans should be treated to some trickery. The Germans should nick this one but if Ronaldo gets in his stride then Portugal may get something out of the game.
Players to Watch:
Germany: Mario Gotze, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos
Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Moutinho, William Carvalho
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