Top Bet’s on-going preview of all eight World Cup groups has profiled some intriguing groups; Group B and Group D pack contenders into tight bunches and force a world power to be eliminated in the group stage. Still, the previous six groups pale in comparison to the battle royale that is Group G. If it’s a more in-depth look at the U.S. Men’s National team you’re looking for, you can find that here. Also, see our comprehensive World Cup predictions.
If any group should be bestowed the title of “Group of Death” in Brazil, it’s Group G. All four of its teams – Germany, Portugal, the United States and Ghana – reached the knockout stage in 2010, but half of them are guaranteed to go home much earlier this time around. There are no easy games for any team, and every Group G match will be well worth watching.
Get into the action of the World Cup’s most hyped group by creating a betting account today and reading on for the need-t0-knows about this truly world-class group.
[sc:Soccer ]2014 World Cup Group G Preview and Predictions – the Group of Death
Germany
Opposing national team managers must look at Joachim Loew with sheer envy. Blessed with a squad overflowing with world-class quality at just about every position, Loew and his Germany team are +550 to win their fourth World Cup.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]But there is more to Loew’s job than meets the eye. He’ll be hard-pressed to find the most optimal line-up among his myriad of options. In addition, his talented team will feel the pressure of an entire nation to finally go all the way after they fell short in each of the past two major tournaments.
And of course, he’ll need to navigate his team past arguably the toughest group in this World Cup. They’re still favorites to win it at -175, but they’ll definitely need to earn their place in the second round.
Update: Germany is still waiting on the injured Bayern Munich trio of Manuel Neuer, Philippe Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger to return to full fitness.
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo almost single-handedly fired Portugal into the World Cup with a virtuoso performance in the playoff against Sweden. Fairly or unfairly, the same superhuman feats will be expected of the reigning FIFA Balon D’Or winner in Brazil. Ronaldo is +1,200 to win the Golden Boot as the player with the most goals in the tournament.
As much as it seems to be all about one player, Ronaldo does have a very strong squad in support of him. The question, as always with Portugal, is whether they can bring their individual talents together and function as a whole. The Portuguese are +325 to win Group G.
Update: Portugal is sweating the fitness of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been suffering knee tendinitis.
United States
The USA will head to a World Cup without all-time goalscorer Landon Donovan for the first time since 1998. A fixture on the USMNT since 2000, Donovan was controversially left off the final World Cup squad by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who was quoted as saying he had four men better than the L.A. Galaxy captain.
Nevertheless, the Americans should still field a strong team, headlined by a handful of key players capable of standing up to the tough competition in Group G. The US is +750 to win the group.
Ghana
Expected to be the weakest of the four teams at +1,200 to win Group G, Ghana has a squad that can so easily challenge for one of the top two spots in any other group. Remember, the Black Stars were a Luis Suarez handball away from reaching the semifinals in 2010.
Their stacked midfield composed of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Kwadwo Asamoah can more than hold its own against any team in the world – even one as talented as Germany’. They will rely upon that position the most if they hope to make it out of this very tough group.
Key Game – Germany vs. Portugal (June 15)
Group G will start out with a bang as European giants Germany and Portugal square off in the first group game. If Ronaldo somehow manages to lift his team to victory against the stacked Germans, Portugal stands a great chance of going through.
Writer’s Prediction
Germany is too good not to claim one of the top two spots. Ronaldo’s individual brilliance makes Portugal a popular pick, but the collective strength of a US team looking to vault the popularity of the sport in their own country will see them through. Take Germany and the USA (+425) to advance.
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