Germany’s World Cup campaign begins with a tough encounter against Portugal this evening, though they arrive in Brazil with confidence having won their last three encounters, not to mention every opening match of the tournament since 1990.
A standout first round game, the Group G clash at Salvador’s Forte Nova Arena will see Germany’s attractive mix of expert defence and sweeping attacks, led by the likes of Mesut Ozil and Thomas Mueller, come up against a Portugal side containing goal machine Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal’s talismanic forward raised a collective sigh of relief in his home country last week when he returned to the side after a troublesome knee injury to shine in a 5-1 friendly victory over Ireland Republic.
A thumbs-up to journalists then confirmed he is fit.
Germany, semi-finalists in South Africa four years ago and favourites to top the group which also includes the United States and Ghana, have had fitness boosts too.
Manuel Neuer, Germany’s number one goalkeeper for four years, will start after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained last month, while Phillip Lahm has overcome an ankle injury and will feature in a holding midfield role rather than his traditional right back slot.
Bidding to end an 18-year title drought, Germany coach Joachim Loew has been slow to offer many other clues as to how his side will line up, but right-back Jerome Boateng is expected to play alongside Mats Hummels and Per Mertesacker, with Erik Durm and Benedikt Hoewedes battling for the left-back spot.
Lahm’s presence alongside Sami Khedira in midfield will allow Germany’s exciting attack force of Toni Kroos, Ozil and Lukas Podolski to join ranks with Mueller – top scorer at the 2010 World Cup – to keep Portugal’s defence busy.
Portugal coach Paulo Bento has a fit squad
With the heat and humidity a concern, Loew will likely turn to an abundance of talent on his bench including Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Goetze in the second half.
Portugal coach Paulo Bento has a fit squad after defender Pepe and midfielder Raul Meireles also shook off niggles.
Rui Patricio will start in goal, with the fiery Pepe and Bruno Alves marshalling energetic full-backs Joao Pereira and Fabio Coentrao.
Joao Moutinho will provide the craft in a three-man midfield that will look to use Ronaldo’s pace and power at every opportunity. Hugo Almeida and Silvestre Varela will join Ronaldo in attack.
With the Netherlands thumping Spain 5-1 at the Forte Nova Arena on Friday, goals may well rain down once more in Salvador today, with Germany having scored at least four times in four of their last six opening World Cup matches.
However, Portugal’s record of just one goal conceded in the group stage of the last two tournaments may prove a spoiler.
Germany vs Portugal
Key statistics
• Germany have won their opening match in every World Cup since 1990.
• In the group round of the last two World Cups, Portugal conceded just once in six matches.
• Germany striker Miroslav Klose is one strike away from equalling a tournament record of 15 goals held by Brazilian striker Ronaldo.
• With 19 World Cup match appearances, Klose could move closer to Lothar Matthaeus’s record of 25, or even pass it if Germany reach the last four and he plays every game.
• This is the 100th World Cup match contested by Germany, who are the first team to reach this milestone.
Previous encounters
The sides square up for the 18th time and it is Germany who have fared better historically with nine wins to Portugal’s three, the other five matches having ended drawn.
Last meeting: June 9, 2012, Lviv (Ukraine), European Championship group stage – Germany 1 Portugal 0.