Match Day 5 preview

Two matches from group G and 1 from group F make up that games for today. Germany and Portugal headline the day, kicking off at 11:00. Followed by Nigeria vs Iran at 3:00, and USA vs Ghana at 5:00.

Today's Featured Game

Germany vs Portugal

Germany comes into the tournament carrying the #2 ranking in the world. The three time winners are always a threat to win the tournament. After a 3rd place finish in 2010 and 2006, the Germans will be looking to breakthrough to their first title game since 2002 where they lost to Brazil. Not only are the Germans looking to win their title, veteran striker, Miroslav Klose, is 1 short of the all time world cup goal scoring record. His 14 goals are second only to the 15 of the Brazilian Ronaldo. Germany are always dangerous, but when the World Cup comes around, the team seems to kick it up a few notches. With elite players all over the field, the team has virtually no weakness. Manuel Neuer is the best goalkeeper in the world. Mats Hummels and Per Mertesacker will be the wall in the central of defense. Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze, and Thomas Muller will be dangerous going forward. No team will be able to match Germany's overall team. It will take a massive effort for a team to beat them.

Portugal come in with the #3 ranking in the world, but they almost didn't qualify for Brazil. They needed a hat-trick from Ronaldo in a 1-game playoff with Sweden, to send them through to the World Cup. Ronaldo is everything when it comes to this Portuguese team. With no recognizable striker, most of the goalscoring falls on his shoulders, and without him they often look lost. Even without a top class striker, having Ronaldo on one wing and Nani on the other is enough to give the defense problems. The Portuguese midfield, led by Joao Moutinho, is probably the weakest part of the team. They sometimes lack the creativity you would expect from them, but Moutinho is capable of finding he killer pass. His link up play with the wingers, mainly Ronaldo, will be vital if they want to go far in this tournament.

Players to Watch:

Germany

Philipp Lahm (Defender/Midfielder) - Lahm has been a rock at the back for the German squad for years. This past season for Bayern Munich he has played a big role in a defensive midfield position. Whether he is at right back, or defensive midfield, he will play a large role in shutting down the wingers of Portugal; as well as breaking up play through the middle.

Mesut Ozil (Midfielder) - This creative midfielder is brilliant on the ball. He has the ability to set up his teammates with incisive passing. The number of chances he has created for teammates over the last couple of years ranks among the top in the world.

Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo (Forward) - He is the man for this Portuguese team. The reigning world player of the year will look to lead his team to their first ever World Cup title. He has the ability to win games single handedly. His speed and skill allow him to leave the best defenders on the floor.

Joao Moutinho (Midfielder) - The best player in the middle of the park for the Portuguese. Moutinho will be tasked to feed the dangerous forwards, Ronaldo and Nani, whenever he receives the ball. His skill from set pieces can cause problems for the defense.

Game Prediction:

Portugal may have the #3 ranking, but I think they aren't up to the same level as the Germans. Germany have some of the best players in the world at every position, Portugal rely on 1. In the World Cup Germany become a different team. It'll take something special to beat them.

Score Prediction:

Germany 3 Portugal 1

Nigeria vs Iran

Iran and Nigeria are ranked #43 and #44, respectively. As the worst 2 teams in their group, a loss in this match will be fatal for the chances at progression. A tie would probably be enough to rule both teams out of contention.

Nigeria 1 Iran 1

USA vs Ghana

Ghana has been the bane of the United States existence when it comes to World Cups. The Africans have knocked them out of the last 2 World Cups. If the US want to get out of the group they need a win against Ghana. I think Dempsey and Altidore will come up big today.

USA 3 Ghana 2