Team Preview:
Germany: Die Mannschaft enter the tournament as one of the favorites to win it all. The Germans went undefeated in qualifying, scoring 36 goals and conceding 10 in nine wins and one draw. The biggest strength for Germany is their stable of midfield players. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Özil, Thomas Müller, Toni Kroos, and Mario Götze all have the power to take over a game. This group is even more impressive considering Germany lost their most dynamic player, Marco Reus, a few weeks before the tournament. Goalie Manuel Neuer leads a strong back line that should be difficult to break down. Germany's one weakness is their lack of depth at forward. Miroslav Klose is 36 and Lukas Podolski has struggled most of the year. Germany could very well play with no true strikers, but they have the skill to create goals without them and should book passage to the knockout stage.
Ghana: The team that knocked the USA out of the last two World Cups will look to deal them a big blow in their group opening match up on June 16. The Black Stars have strong attacking options through striker Asamoah Gyan, winger André Ayew, and midfielders Kevin-Prince Boateng and Kwadwo Asamoah. They also have strong deep lying players in Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien, although the fact that both players are getting old may mean that they aren't paired together in Brazil. Ghana's Achilles's Heel is their young and inexperienced defense. If their back line can hold together, Ghana have a chance of moving on to the next round.
Portugal: When you're talking about Portugal, you're talking about Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo re-established himself as the best player in the world this year as he led Real Madrid to their tenth Champion's League title. However, Ronaldo has a lingering knee injury which raises a big question mark about Portugal's chances. Manchester United winger Nani will likely play on the side opposite Ronaldo. Nani has struggled with injuries this year but has looked good in Portugal's warm up games. If teams are too concerned with Ronaldo, Nani could make them pay. João Moutinho leads a skilled midfield that is capable of unleashing Nani and Ronaldo on the wings. Portugal's biggest weaknesses may be their depth at striker and their reliance on what could be a hobbled Ronaldo. If Ronaldo isn't completely fit for three games in 10 days, Portugal could head home sooner than anticipated.
USA: The biggest story heading into the tournament is the absence of all-time leading scorer Landon Donovan. Now that the World Cup is here, it is time to move on from Donovan and find out what this team is capable of. Clint Dempsey is the United States' best player and his ability to find space makes him a constant threat for goals. Dempsey should pair well in attack with the strength and power of Jozy Altidore. Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones are the key to America's chances. Whether playing side by side or as the top and bottom of a diamond, the central midfield pairing could struggle against the quality midfields they'll face in the Group of Death. Tim Howard back stops a young defensive line that will look to get into a rhythm early. If the USA can stay strong in defense and punish teams on the counter attack, they have a chance of moving on.
Players to watch:
The Star: Cristiano Ronaldo
The best player in the world right now, Ronaldo can really do it all. He has speed to burn, is hard to knock of the ball (when he isn't diving on the ground), and is dominant in the air. He can use either foot for one of his countless stepovers or a powerful shot from long range or a cheeky finish in close. Ronaldo's heading ability makes him a threat from any set piece. It may seem like high praise, but Ronaldo really is THAT good. If his knee is ready, he should be a force in Brazil.
The One to Watch:
I was really looking forward to watching Reus on the world stage and I was pretty disappointed to find out that he'd be unable to play due to injury. As a result, Götze will have to fill Reus shoes, either on the left wing or as a false-nine, or deep lying striker. Much has been made about the depth of Germany's midfield but it seems like the difference maker will have to be one of the younger players and Götze looks most likely. He has speed to burn and is a great dribbler and play maker who can also find the back of the net when the mood strikes him.
The Question Mark: Jozy Altidore
Altidore is a big, physical striker that most teams would dream to have. However, he's a very streaky player as well. Altidore lit the world on fire last summer, scoring eight goals over five straight matches to set a US record. This hot period came after a nearly two year drought and was followed by one that lasted until the USA's last warm up game. Altidore found the net twice against Nigeria. If Altidore can provide clinical finishing at the end of the United States' counter attack, the Stars and Stripes could surprise a few teams.
Predicted Finish
1. Germany
2. USA
3. Portugal
4. Ghana
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