Another exciting group at World Cup 2014, group G contains Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the USA. A famous World Cup quote about Germany said by Gary Lineker goes, "Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.". That quote might have rung true at the 1990 World Cup as Germany lifted the trophy but they will find it a lot tougher in 2014 from the get go. Portugal with an unstoppable Cristiano Ronaldo will have self belief that they can snatch top spot in the group. While Ghana and USA continue to grow and improve, they will put up a good fight and could cause an upset.
Germany
Coach: Joachim Low
Star Player: Mesut Ozil
Tournament Best: Winners 1954, 1974, 1990
How they qualified: UEFA Group C Winners
As usual, Germany head into the tournament with a very strong team and high hopes. A team that always performs, Germany can be considered one of the most consistent nations at the World Cup. This time around most of the team will be based on the Bayern Munich squad that has been so dominant in recent years. Team cohesion will be one thing the Germans don't need to worry about. Their biggest strength is most definitely in midfield where they have an abundance of quality players including Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Ozil and Reus. This German squad is one of the most technical in recent memory and has an uncharacteristic amount of flare and skill. Also in Manuel Neuer, they have the best goalkeeper in the world.
However, Germany are usually used to cruising through the group stage and then get stronger during the knockout stages. They won't be able to do that this time around and will need a strong start if they are to get through to the second round. Their first match is against a dangerous Portugal. There is also some concerns with their defenders, seen as old and slow. That is definitely the weak area in their squad. Younger and faster opponents in this group will cause the problems. If Germany can prevent making poor mistakes they should easily be able to qualify for the knockout stages. This requires a great amount of focus, which luckily for the Germans it's one of their best traits.
Portugal
Coach: Paulo Bento
Star Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Tournament Best: Third Place 1966
How they qualified: UEFA Play-off Winners
In modern football it's more difficult for a single player to carry a team on their shoulders as tactics and the collective effort have taken a precedence. That doesn't apply when that player is Cristiano Ronaldo. As Portugal were forced to a World Cup playoff they were moments from not even qualifying for the tournament. Ronaldo then rose to the challenge, scored 4 goals in the two tie playoff and single-handedly took Portugal to the World Cup. He's not only Portugal's main strength, he is what has turned Portugal into serious contenders. The rest of the Portuguese side is strong and skillful but they must focus on supporting Ronaldo if they want to go far. There is no other team at this World Cup that relies more on a single player.
Portugal's weakness is of course what happens when Ronaldo doesn't have a good game or gets marked heavily out of the match. The answer isn't reassuring, they might not have an answer if that happens. There are doubts over Ronaldo's fitness after a grueling season, he might not make it to the first match against Germany. Coach Paulo Bento absolutely must work on a plan B if Portugal are to do well. Furthermore, he has to find a way to keep his players calm as there are more than a few who are temperamental to say the least. In saying that I still think Portugal has too much firepower for the opposition in this group, the first match Germany vs. Portugal will decide top spot.
Ghana
Coach: James Kwesi Appiah
Star Player: Michael Essien
Tournament Best: Quarter Finals 2010
How they qualified: CAF Third Round Winners
At the 2010 World Cup, Ghana reached their all time high as a footballing nation reaching the quarter finals. They were hoping to repeat or even improve that feat in 2014 until the tough group draw handed them a reality check. Nevertheless Ghana still has a strong squad that could produce some upsets. They play an imposing style that is difficult to contain and will probably look to out muscle and unsettle the opposition. In Essien and Gyan they have loads of experience and talent. Ghana will look to use it's strong attack to move the ball forwards quickly and score, they will give everything they've got and leave it all on the pitch for sure.
Unfortunately Ghana doesn't have any world class defenders, which will hurt their chances. They will be looking at using their attack as their main mean of defense but that can only get you so far in such a tough tournament. Their aging stars are also a worry, they will lack the pace to keep up with other top players. Normally I would be quite optimistic of nations like Ghana but with the tough group I would be surprised to see them qualify for the knockout stage.
USA
Coach: Jurgen Klinsmann
Star Player: Clint Dempsey
Tournament Best: Third Place 1930
How they qualified: CONCACAF Fourth Round Winners
Football in the United States keeps going from strength to strength, the MLS is now stable and they're starting to produce some good talent. With the long term contract of coach Jurgen Klinsmann, the USA are looking at setting up a long term development plan and hopefully become a superpower of world football. Klinsmann has stated that the aim is to make it out of the group and the knowledge he has of the German team will be a great aid to the cause. The team continues to look at Clint Dempsey for guidance as well as goals and he'll have to play well if the USA are to make an impact.
Unfortunately they lack the overall quality to match the other teams in the group. The squad is mostly based from their domestic league and the defense is especially weak. Klinsmann's motivation techniques are strong and the self belief is high after a great 2013 and qualifying campaign. Although motivation and belief does not replace skill and talent. It's unfortunate that such a growing footballing nation was given such a tough draw but most of the 2014 groups are tough, there's no escaping it in a World Cup. The USA will be lucky to grab a point in the tournament.
My Group G Predictions:
1. Portugal (7 pts)
2. Germany (7 pts)
3. Ghana (3 pts)
4. USA (0 pts)
