Germany proved why they are a World Cup favorite in their opening match. The team put on a beating to Portugal, winning 4-0. Meanwhile, Ghana was upset by Team USA in their first match as the Americans won 2-1. Group G is meeting expectations as one of the toughest groupings in the tournament and now Germany and Ghana must faceoff to stay alive past the group stages.
Ghana enters the game after finishing on the wrong end of what was essentially an elimination game. The team along with the USA are heavy underdogs to make it out of Group G considering Germany and Portugal are heavy favorites in the overall World Cup. USA got the best of Ghana and now the African nation must win if they intend to keep playing. Ghana must get a point in this match to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The team is virtually injury free. They came out of the USA match healthy, but must make roster adjustments to hold pace with Germany. If not, they could be in for a long afternoon. Christian Atsu will remain a starter at midfield while Michael Essien and Kevin-Prince Boateng could see significant playing time. Ghana has high expectations this year after reaching the quarterfinals back in 2010. They know a win or draw is their only option, but getting it against Germany is a tall task.
Germany dominated Portugal in a shutout to establish their dominance in the tournament. Beating Ghana would secure their advancement in group play. Thomas Mueller is fresh off his hat trick and could be needed to step up again if Mats Hummels is not healthy enough to play. Germany will work towards their strengths with a strong front four that will create some defensive issues for Ghana. The biggest question for Germany is the ankle of Bastian Schweinsteiger. The team has very few options at midfielder and after missing the opening match, Germany would like him back in order to rest others.
Ghana played well against the United States, but they suffered defensive mistakes that their opponents capitalized on. They simply cannot afford to the same against Germany who put up four goals against Portugal. Ghana will be challenged in this match, but if they can come out with a draw then there is still hope for advancement.