Group G comes to head on Thursday evening with all four sides potentially qualifying, and all four sides potentially going home, as befits a ‘Group of Death’. Mathematically, that statement is true. Germany could be heavily thrashed by the USA, end up on four points while Ghana, their goal difference superior to Portugal already, could win handsomely against the Seleccao and find themselves in the last 16.
Such an outcome is unlikely, however.
Germany have shown themselves already to be a finely tuned machine. Joachim Low’s side scored four against Portugal and both the attack and defence looked as good as any at the World Cup so far; Thomas Muller impressed that day with his hat-trick, while the four centre-back defensive line looked rock steady and impervious.
It was a different story against Ghana, however as Low was forced to move to Plan B early in the second half, summoning the heavy artillery of Schweinsteiger and Klose to pull a result out of the bag – the veteran striker elevated himself to high company with his goal – a fifteenth in World Cup tournaments.
Germany’s Plan A may well be enough to defeat German coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s side. With his protégé now occupying his former seat, Klinsmann has set his stall out for a long-term plan in charge of the American side – his squad for this tournament was assembled with an eye on the future, so their victory against Ghana and breathless draw with Portugal both speak of a team who are maturing before their time.
That said, the Yanks seem unlikely to break the trend of sides that played in Manaus losing their next game (indeed, the four who have played there so far are a collective 3-10 in terms of goals) but it would be more an acceptable shortfall of talent in this instance than a lack of energy.
In the draw with Portugal, Clint Dempsey ‘banged’ his second ‘g’ of the tournament (Dempsey is a rapper in his spare time, using the name Deuce and that terminology for scoring goals) and his contribution will be vital here. A third goal for him, or any strike for the American side, would probably see them through to the knockout stages, as their elimination requires a five goal swing by Portugal; Paulo Bento’s side sit on -4 and the USA on +1 as they do.
That game has raised the possibility of a biscotto, and though both coaches are talking the talk now, a mutually beneficial draw would work wonders in terms of player resting before a second round tie. Given that the winners of the group go on to face, most likely Algeria, and the losers Belgium, there is nothing either will particularly fear should they go for the win.
Prediction: Germany 3-1 United States
The other half of the group sees a desperately disappointing Ghana face a desperate Portugal. With Cristiano Ronaldo accepting that he alone cannot drag the Seleccao to World Cup victory, this meeting of the also-rans will probably only end up deciding third and fourth place.
Neither have shown anything of their potential except a flash of what has been missing in their 2-2 draws in the second game. Ghana’s goalscoring in qualifying was prolific, but they have looked wayward and occasionally clueless in Brazil.
Portugal have been hampered by losing their starting striker in both games through injury, but without Ronaldo burning brightly, they look a team of shadows. With his team almost certainly travelling back to Europe after this game, it represents a last opportunity for the Real Madrid man to influence a World Cup while still at his peak – when the Russian tournament comes around, he will be a venerable 33 years old.
Portugal’s Iberian neighbours Spain enjoyed their funeral procession with Australia, their big names lighting up the stage a final time before they slipped into the night. Both Ghana and Portugal’s squad contain a number of familiar faces who will be departing the biggest stage for the last time when the referee signals full time.
The likes of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Helder Postiga have become synonymous with their respective national sides, but none are likely to continue long beyond this tournament. Expect sentimentality to ensure a few minutes for each.
The unlikely possibility of either side qualifying should ensure that both sides go all out for victory and, should he be afforded any amount of space, Ronaldo is the best in the world at the zippy counter-attack. He should be able to put his stamp on this game and, knowing the determination of the player, a hat-trick would be the perfect way to do it.
Prediction: Portugal 3-2 Ghana.
A battle for the Group G crown, and a battle against the wooden spoon. Group G has been one of the most interesting groups; it has provided some of the best football, and some of the best goals. That its final set of fixtures arrive almost meaningless is testament only to its brilliance. It will be bid a fond farewell on Thursday evening.
