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Touted by many as the alternate ‘Group of Death’ to Group D, which consists of Uruguay, Italy and England, Group G will be among the most fiercely contested groups in the early stages of the World Cup. Consisting of Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the USA, Group G will be among the ones to watch out for in terms of competition.
Among the teams in the group, only Germany have tasted FIFA World Cup success; on three occasions. Portugal have always flattered to deceive, Ghana have emerged on the football map only recently, while the USA have never really threatened the big boys of world football.
| Match # | Date | Match | Time (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 16th June 2014 | Germany vs Portugal | 21:30 | Arena Fonta Nova, Salvador |
| 14 | 16th June 2014 | Ghana vs USA | 03:30 (17th June) | Arena das Dunas, Natal |
| 29 | 22nd June 2014 | Germany vs Ghana | 00:30 (23rd June) | Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza |
| 30 | 22nd June 2014 | USA vs Portugal | 03:30 (23rd June) | Arena Amazônia, Manaus |
| 45 | 26th June 2014 | USA vs Germany | 21:30 | Arena Pernambuco, Recife |
| 46 | 26th June 2014 | Portugal vs Ghana | 21:30 | Estadio Nacional, Brasilia |
Venues
The matches of Group G will be held at 6 different venues.
Estadio Castelao, at Forteleza is at mean sea level but the temperatures there peak up to 32 degrees celsius. Coupled with that are the nearby coasts, therefore we could expect potential rains and strong winds.
Arena Pernambuco, in Recife is a dangerous arena with the city averaging 224 days of rain a year, and the months of June and July being the wettest. The humidity in this region is high during these months, which will make the players’ job very tough, and bodies will have to be in perfect shape.
Arena Amazonia in Manaus follows suit with wet conditions and a 40% chance of thunderstorms and expected humidity up to 80 %. Located in the Amazon Rainforest region, Manaus is far away from most teams’ bases for the World Cup, and the travel and humidity are bound to sap the energy out of the players.
Estadio das Dunas, in Natal is the most punishing arena with an average humidity of 97% in the middle of June. This could result in a lot of tiring and frequent drink breaks, with Ghana and USA upon whom this arena is thrust.
Estadio Nacional in Brasiilia will be among the more comfortable stadiums to play in, especially for the European teams. Mean temoeratures in June ar around 27-29 degrees celsius, but humidity levels could be a concern. In late June, when Group G’s Brasilia match is scheduled to be held, humidity levels average in excess of 90%. Therefore again, tiring and frequent breaks can be expected.
Arena Fonta Nova in Salvador is a typical Brazilian venue, with temperatures averaging around 29 degrees celsius, and humidity levels ranging from 75-85%, on an average, in June. With two Europen sides playing in Salvador, Germany and Portugal could have a tough time, especially with that match being both teams’ first in the tournament.
Teams
Germany
Germany have constantly flattered to deceive in recent times on the big stage. In the last three World Cups, they’ve finished second once, and third twice. They breezed through their qualification group, with the only blip being when they let a 4-goal lead slip against Sweden.
They have among the most balanced squads in the tournament, with a perfect blend of youth and experience, and how Joechim Loew handles the squad will decide how they perform in the tournament. Bastian Schweinsteiger will undoubtedly be their key player, as he orchestrates the play from the QuarterBack role, and it is a role which he seems to thrive on. The injury to Marco Reus will no doubt weaken the Germans, but if there in one team in the tournament capable of handling the no-show of player of the calibre of Reus, it is Die Mannschaft.
FIFA Ranking: 2
For more information, read <Germany Team Preview--.
Portugal
Portugal have always been one of the enigmas of world football. They’ve mostly coasted through the group stages, but have put in drab performances in the knockout stages. The Portuguese did not have as comfortable a qualification campaign as they expected, as they had to come through the playoffs to secure their place in the Brazil extravaganza.
For many, Portugal’s hopes begin and end with Cristiano Ronaldo. The superstar has been battling knee tendonitis lately, and his successful return from injury will boost Portugal immensely. Ronaldo almost single-handedly carried Portugal into the semifinals of Euro 2012, and all of Portugal will await a similar performance from their favourite son.
Other key players for Portugal include Real Madrid’s Pepe and the midfield duo of Raul Meireles and Joao Moutinho.
FIFA Ranking: 4
For more information, read Portugal Team Preview.
United States of America
Jurgen Klinsmann leads a buoyant USMNT to Brazil and faces the daunting prospect of facing his own nation and Cristiano Ronaldo. The US will do extremely well to get out of the group stage, and their hopes will rest on the likes of Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey in the absence of long time star Landon Donovan.
In defense, Stoke City’s Geoff Cameron and Everton Goalkeeper Tim Howard will have huge roles to play.
FIFA Ranking: 13
For more information, read <USA Team Preview--.
Ghana
“The Black Stars” have been Africa's sole light in the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup. They were denied in 2006 by the brilliance of Brazil in the Round of 16, while they went one better in 2010, when they were cruelly denied by the Hand of Luis Suarez, and a missed penalty by Asamoah Gyan that followed.
Ghana’s performances in the Africa Cup of Nations have been below par, and they will hope for a strong showing in Brazil.
Ghana’s hopes will rest on captain Asamoah Gyan and the Ayew brothers, Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew.
FIFA Ranking: 37
Key Matches
Germany vs Portugal
This is a game that could well decide who tops the group. WIth Portugal likely to receive a boost with Ronaldo’s return from injury and Germany receiving a blow with Reus’ injury, the teams start on a slightly even field. Especially with it being the first game of the tournament for both sides, it might be a dull, cagey affair. But that is not how Loew sets his teams out. So one can only hope for an open, free-flowing game of attacking football.
Portugal vs Ghana
The last game in this group. One would expect that, by this time, Germany would have wrapped up top spot in the group. So, this game might well be a virtual knockout game, with the loser bowing out of the tournament.
Predictions
One would expect Germany to top this group, by winning all their three games, and I tip Portugal to pip Ghana to the second qualifiction spot. So, even though, this is an alternate ‘Group of Death’, I expect the results to be pretty straight-forward, with the fancied teams progressing to the next round.
| Team Position | Country | Points |
| 1 | Germany | 9 |
| 2 | Portugal | 6 |
| 3 | Ghana | 3 |
| 4 | USA | 0 |
To read other Group Previews, click here: FIFA World Cup Group Previews
