Spain and Netherlands provided an excellent entertainer in the FIFA World Cup group game and now it’s turn for Portugal and Germany to entertain.
Spain and Netherlands provided an excellent entertainer in the FIFA World Cup group game and now it’s turn for Portugal and Germany to entertain. Remember, no European nation has won a World Cup title in the South America and Germany are favourites then Joachim Loew’s men will have to pass a stern test of Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal.
There is no doubting Portugal’s strength – they have the world’s best player in their ranks. Cristiano Ronaldo who won the UEFA Champions League medal with Real Madrid, will be hoping to eclipse the club form onto his national colours. Besides CR7, the likes of Nani, Raul Meireles and Pepe must step the gear if they are to stop a ‘giant’ Germany in their way.
Portugal will field a predictable line-up which will see the likes of Joao Moutinho and Raul Meireles hold the midfield strong, while defence will be marshalled by Pepe and Bruno Alves and the attack will see Nani support his former Manchester United teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, the Germans have plenty of talent all over the pitch, even in the wake of some injuries keeping a few of their stars out of the tournament. Even without Marco Reus, Germany possess some of the best attack in the World Cup. Thomas Mueller, Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil etc. will be one of the many attackers fielded by coach Loew during an all important group tie against the Portuguese.
Squads:
Germany:
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Ron-Robert Zieler, Roman Weidenfeller
Defenders: Kevin Grosskreutz, Matthias Ginter, Benedikt Howedes, Mats Hummels, Erik Durm, Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Jerome Boateng, Shkodran Mustafi
Midfielders: Sami Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Andre Schurrle, Julian Draxler, Toni Kroos, Mario Gotze, Christoph Kramer
Forwards: Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller
Coach: Joachim Low
Portugal:
Goalkeepers: Eduardo, Rui Patricio, Beto
Defenders: Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Ricardo Costa, Luis Neto, Andre Almeida, Joao Pereira
Midfielders: Miguel Veloso, William Carvalho, Joao Moutinho, Vieirinha, Rafa Silva, Raul Meireles, Nani, Ruben Amorim
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Almeida, Eder, Varela, Helder Postiga
Coach: Paulo Bento
