1st : Germany – 9 points
World Ranking: 2
Key Players: Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil, Marco Reus, Julian Draxler
Germany has what is arguably the most talented and enduring squad to Brazil. The Germans bring power, speed, and creativity to the table. Just about everyone on the squad is dangerous. Not only have 7 of their players adopted the tiki-taka play style under Guardiola at Bayern Munich, the number 2 ranked team in the world also brings 7 players accustomed to the deadly, hard-hitting, pace game that Borrussia Dortmund is known for and 2 players from Arsenal’s superb midfield. The combined play styles along with talented young players and a strong defensive line makes Germany both the most likely to sweep the group and a top contender for the cup over all.
2nd: Portugal – 6 points
World Ranking: 3
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Moutinho, Raul Meireles
Portugal qualified for the world cup by winning a play off against Sweden. From the beginning of that match it was quite evident what the Portuguese side’s strongest asset is and his name is Cristiano Ronaldo. The best player in the world as of of this year, Ronaldo, scored a hat trick to outdo Zlatan’s brace and qualify for the cup. And although the Portuguese don’t have many other players of his caliber, the squad is ultimately good enough to assist CR7 with their creative midfield. Portugal can have a a relatively successful campaign if the midfielders can continue to feed through balls to the men up top but with their current squad, Germany is more than likely to overwhelm them.
3rd: United States of America – 1 point
World Ranking: 14
Key Players: Tim Howard, Michael Bradley, Chris Wondolowski, Clint Dempsey
The United States has never been considered a top footballing country but the Americans are looking to show the world that America is serious and will be coming for the cup in the near future. Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was bold enough to even cut USA soccer veteran Landon Donovan out of the 23 man squad that is going to Brazil. There is no telling how this will affect the squad over all but it more than likely will not be a positive result. What the U.S. does have going for them is one of the Premier League’s best goal keepers, great defensive and attacking mid’s, the experience of Clint Dempsey, and that good old American fighting spirit. Who know’s, the Americans might even be able to surprise the Portuguese so long as Ronaldo isn’t allowed to run rampant on the field.
4th: Ghana – 1 point
World Ranking: 38
Key Players: Sulley Muntari, Kevin Prince Boateng, Christian Atsu
Ghana seems to be the weakest team of group G. Their biggest strength comes from the central midfield positions held by Muntari and Boateng. The African side is one of those teams that can surprise at any moment. Boateng is often able to surprise on his own by creating chances out of nowhere and similar to some of the other defensive teams, Ghana will probably focus more on their counter attack game instead of a more attacking tactic. Ronaldo will probably prove to be too much for them but the one point could come from a surprise result against the U.S.
Photo Credit: Joern Pollex/Getty Images
