2014 World Cup: Group G preview

Ah yes, the group of death. Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the United States comprise what should be the most competitive foursome in Brazil.  

Germany

Germany breezed through qualifying, boasting an intriguing mix of skill, youth and depth.

Joachim Löw’s midfield is loaded with stars, though their options up front are lacking. That said, they’re the best team in this group on paper and should comfortably advance to the knockout stage.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Germany could very well employ a 4-6 formation in Brazil, opting for a ‘false nine’ instead of employing a striker. They may not need one as the German midfield is one of the most versatile in the world with a number of players capable of playing as a true ‘forward.’

The Star: Mesut Ozil

Ozil’s first year in England was up and down. He was excellent to start, drifted into a funk, got hurt and then returned to help Arsenal win the FA Cup. He’s Germany’s talisman in the middle of the park, and with all the talent surrounding him he should be at his playmaking best.

The Young Gun: Mario Götze

A jack of all trades at the age of 21, Mario Götze is primed for big things for Bayern Munich and his country. He possesses great pace, play-making abilities and incredible dribbling skills. It’s a tough starting lineup to crack, but Götze has all the traits you want.,

One To Watch: Philipp Lahm

Germany’s captain will be playing in his sixth major international tournament and his third as captain. Lahm has been forthright in the leadup to the World Cup, stating anything short of victory in the final will be deemed a failure.

Odds

Bodog has Germany at 11/2 to win the World Cup.

Outlook

Germany, along with Argentina and Spain are just behind Brazil as favourites to win the tournament.

Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo is the class of world soccer at the moment, but Portugal have concerns elsewhere on the pitch. They’ll go as far as Ronaldo can take them, and as evidenced by their play-off against Sweden, that could be quite far.

Formation: 4-3-3

Paulo Bento’s system relies on the counter attack and his best player being his best player. Sounds pretty simple, no? Cristiano Ronaldo is a rover up front, playing out wide one minute and in the middle the next. It’s how his teammates adapt to his movements that will define how much Portugal can do in Brazil.

The Star: Cristiano Ronaldo

What’s there left to be said about the man known as CR7. Ballon D’Or winner, Champions League winner and the overall best player on the planet over the last calendar year, Ronaldo has the ability to turn a game on its head like few other players in the world. A sterling performance in Brazil would be the perfect epilogue for a tremendous season.

The Young Gun: William Carvalho

The 22-year-old is the next big thing in Portuguese soccer and the Sporting Lisbon star is being linked with a move to Manchester United. Carvalho is a defensive midfielder at heart, giving Bento some security as Ronaldo and Co. roam forward.

One To Watch: Pepe

One way or another Pepe’s exploits will make news in Brazil. A good defender gets under the skin of the attackers he’s covering. The Real Madrid defender takes that one step further and, coupled with his new wig like haircut, well, just wait. There will be fireworks.

Odds

Bodog has Portugal at 28/1 to win the World Cup.

Outlook

Doubt Cristiano at your own peril, Portugal is primed for a deep run. 

Ghana

The Black Stars are the African team nobody wanted to draw. Ghana has a collection of dangerous veterans, in their prime stars and youngsters looking to erase troubling memories from the 2010 World Cup.

Formation: 4-4-2

Ghana will rely on the flanks to create, with a collection of pacey wingers and fullbacks darting forward with regularity. Coached by Ghana native Kwesi Appiah, the Black Stars will rely on Michael Essien, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Kwadwo Asamoah to dominate the midfield.

The Star: Kwadwo Asamoah

This team boasts a number of players that could be deemed ‘the star,’ but Asamoah is the most intriguing. The 24-year-old was voted Africa’s most promising player four years ago and lived up to that promise, playing a key role for Juventus since. He’ll get to play centrally in Brazil, something he doesn’t get to do under Antonio Conte.

The Young Gun: Andrew Ayew

The 24-year-old has clashed with Appiah in the past, but there’s no denying his talent. He’s a modern winger, possessing the complete skillset needed to thrive on the biggest stages. Quick, smart and well built, Ayew’s pace alone will make him a threat in this group.

One To Watch: Michael Essien

He’s done it all for Ghana, and at 31, this is likely Michael Essien’s final hurrah on the international stage. Essien has told the media in Ghana he is ready to ‘die’ for his country in Brazil. We won’t doubt the veracity of this claim.

Odds

Bodog has Ghana at 200/1 to win the World Cup.

Outlook

Ghana’s opener against the United States is incredibly important. The winner of that game will believe they can advance to the knockout stage.

United States

The Red, White and Blue come into Brazil under a cloud of controversy following Landon Donovan’s omission from the 23-man squad. Jürgen Klinsmann remains confident, believing he has brought his best team to Brazil. Time will tell if that is the case.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

What Klinsmann does with his back four remains uncertain. Geoff Cameron could play at center back alongside Matt Besler, with Fabian Johnson and DeMarcus Beasley at fullback. Up front it’s more settled. Jozy Altidore will likely occupy the striker slot with Clint Dempsey beside him. 

The Star: Clint Dempsey

The place normally reserved for Donovan is taken over by the captain. At 30, the Texan is playing some of his best soccer at the club level, leading the Seattle Sounders to an impressive beginning to their 2014 campaign. The team’s second highest all-time goal scorer will be relied upon for goals as well as leadership.

The Young Gun: Julian Green

His inclusion at the expense of Donovan came as a shock to many, but Julian Green is earning kudos from his teammates for his professional attitude. The 18-year-old has all the tools to become a star, but this World Cup experience may serve as a teaching moment rather than a place to gain ‘on-the-job’ experience.

One To Watch: Michael Bradley

‘The general’ will be going up against a collection of the best midfielders in the world. Bradley will be tasked with keeping the likes of Mesut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kwadwo Asamoah in check. The Toronto FC star will need to shine.

Odds

Bodog has the United States at 100/1 to win the World Cup.

Outlook

Like Ghana, the Americans need three points from their opening fixture to have any hope of advancing past the group stage.