Preview to Germany vs. Portugal
In 2006, the FIFA World Cup was hosted in the country of Germany. Germany seemed to be the favorites to win it that year, especially with the group they were seeded with. Being the host, they were seeded in Group A along with Ecuador, Poland and Costa Rica. They won all three matches and went all the way to the semi-final only to lose to Italy in extra time and take third place over Portugal. In 2010, we saw them be seeded in Group D along with Ghana, Australia, and Serbia. We saw them win 2 games and struggle to beat Serbia but those six points allowed them to advance and we saw them get beaten in the Semi-finals once again by the 2010 FIFA World Cup Champions, Spain 1-0.
Portugal, on the other hand had a great road in 2006. They were seeded in Group D along with Mexico, Iran and Algeria and win every match advancing to the Knockout stage all the way to the Semi-finals only to be beaten by France and end in fourth place, behind Germany. In 2010, we saw them be seeded in Group G again along with Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea. They ended up winning one match against North Korea and tie the other two but secured enough points to advance to the next round and only be kicked out of the Round of 16 by Spain.
Both Germany and Portugal haven’t been lucky to win the World Cup. They were also seeded in the Group of death along with Ghana and USA so it won’t be easy for them to advance to the next round.
The last time Germany won was in 1990 and Portugal has yet to secure a World Cup. Germany had a good road on the way to qualifying to Brazil being in Group C with Sweden, Austria, Ireland, Kazakhstan and Faroe Islands and topping the group with an unbeaten record having nine wins from ten fixtures. Their only upset was against Sweden when they were up 4-0 and ended giving the lead and tying the game 4-4.
Portugal, on the other hand, had to go to the play-offs in order to qualify for Brazil. They were placed in Group F along with Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg and landed second in their group to send them in the playoff round against Sweden. We saw them beat Sweden in both legs with an aggregate of 4-2 thus advancing to Brazil. Their star was none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who helped them secure that spot in the World Cup.
Germany are in the World Cup without stars Marco Reus and Marcel Schmelzer due to injuries and Mario Gomez who wasn’t called up to the squad. They still have a lot of key players who are able to get Germany far into the World Cup. With Miroslav Klose as their forward and top scorer, Klose is hoping to break records and help Germany get far along with Mario Gotze, Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller along with Captain Philipp Lahm.
Portugal looks strong as well, having star Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United’s Nani along with Helder Postiga, Hugo Almeida, Raul Meireles, Fabio Conentrão, Pepe and Bruno Alves.
Prediction: Both teams look very strong and looking to secure 3 points to be atop of the table. We will see Joachim Low start Manuel Neuer as goalkeeper with Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng, Per Mertesacker and Mats Hummels defending the back line. In the mid he will start Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos with Thomas Muller, Andre Schurrle and Lukas Podolski in front and star Miroslav Klose attacking for the Germans.
We will see coach Paulo Bento start Rui Patricio as goalkeeper with Joao Pereira, Pepe, Bruno Alves and Fabio Coentrao defending the back line. In midfield, we will probably see Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho and Carlos Martins with Cristiano Ronaldo, Helder Postiga and Nani in the attacking line.
My favorites are Germany to win this world cup, so even though it will be tough it will be a close game, with Germany taking the 2-1 win against Portugal and securing the 3 points for the Group of Death.
Germany and Portugal will kick things off tomorrow in Day 5 of the World cup at 12PM ET/9AM PT and will play in Arena Fronte Nova in Salvador, Brazil.