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Very interesting group this one, with Germany and Portugal as the clear favorites to advance, but with Ghana and the United States surely capable to spring a couple of upsets and even challenge for a place in the knockout stage. Some very tight matches and surprising results can be expected in group G.
Germany is one of the first 4 favorites to win the World Cup, and their 14 wins in the last 21 matches will surely give them confidence they can go all the way. The team is filled with quality, has a capable manager in Joachim Low and the chemistry is also very good, with the first 11 relatively similar for many years now. The explosive game of Germany can put any side in the world under pressure and they should be able to top this group, as they are 1 level above their main competitors, Portugal. The downside for Germany is that they did not impress in the pre – World Cup friendlies and they lack attacking depth, with Klose being the only natural striker in the squad.
- Key players: Mesut Ozil, Manuel Neuer
- Strong spots: Overall quality, Attacking pace, Counterattacks, Midfield, Keeper position, Chemistry, Manager
- Weak spots: Attacking depth, Striker position
- Odds to qualify: 1.16 @ Betfair
Portugal surely has a lot of individual quality, but they are just unable to reach that top level and year after year they are struggling in qualies and in the big tournaments. They seem more dependent than ever on Cristiano Ronaldo, and with the Real Madrid star having fitness problems, things are not looking too well for Portugal. Ronaldo scored all 4 goals for the Seleccao in the playoff win against Sweden and without him the team looked horrible in the pre-World cup friendlies against Greece and Mexico (the Ireland friendly has yet to be played). Portugal`s occasional inability to create chances and finish off games could hurt them against a well organized side like Ghana for example, so the Seleccao will need a fit Ronaldo if they are to avoid being upset for the 2nd place in this group.
- Key players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe
- Strong spots: Individual quality, Attacking midfield, Defense, Counterattacks
- Weak spots: Offensive inconsistency, Striker position, Keeper position, Dependence on Ronaldo
- Odds to qualify: 1.50 @ Bwin
Ghana had little trouble qualifying to the World Cup against Zambia and Egypt, with their 6-1 win over the Pharaons being one of the most impressive in their whole history. However Ghana seems to have used up all their goals in that match, as the team is struggling big time to create chances and have failed to scored in 4 of the last 5 matches. Still, they will draw confidence from a 4-0 win over South Korea in the last pre – World cup friendly and will enter the competition knowing they can frustrate anybody with their solid defense, midfield and an impressive tactical discipline for an Africa side. The individual quality is also there for Ghana, they have an amazing midfield with the likes of Essien, KP. Boateng, K. Asamoah, Muntari or Ayew and I would take a calculated risk, tipping them to outplay Portugal for the second place.
- Key players: Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan
- Strong spots: Individual quality, Defense, Midfield, Discipline
- Weak spots: Offense, Keeper position, Defensive depth
- Odds to qualify: 3.75 @ Bet365
USA might feel they could have been dealt a better hand, as their level of football should allow them to challenge for the second place in most World Cup groups. With this kind of opposition though, the Americans will need to be at their absolute best in order to have the slightest chance of going trough. Their form has been great both short-term and long term, they dominated the Central American qualifiers and have won 19 of their last 24 games, but the level of opposition was mostly second hand. Nevertheless, USA has a 4-3 friendly win over Germany in 2013 to give them confidence. Klinsmann’s insane decision to leave Landon Donovan at home might have adverse effects on team morale. I don`t see USA strong enough quality-wise to avoid the last place in this tough group, but they should not be ignored and can make some noise in perfect circumstances. The group opener against Ghana will be crucial.
- Key players: Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey
- Strong spots: Form, Keeper position, Offense
- Weak spots: Individual quality, Depth, Defense
- Odds to qualify: 4.50 @ Unibet
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