World Cup 2014: Your guide to Group G - Germany; Ghana; USA; Portugal
The lowdown on all of the teams in Group G
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Your support makes all the difference.Fixtures (times BST):
June 16 Salvador, 1700: Germany v Portugal
June 16 Natal, 2300: Ghana v United States
June 21 Fortaleza, 2000: Germany v Ghana
June 22 Manaus, 2000: United States v Portugal
June 26 Recife, 1700: United States v Germany
June 26 Brasilia, 1700: Portugal v Ghana
Germany
How they qualified
Unbeaten Uefa Group C winners, scoring 36 goals, more than any other team in qualifying groups for 2014.
Key player
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal) The graceful playmaker will be key in Germany’s attempt to overthrow Spain as world champions.
Dangerman
Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)The effective forward epitomises the hard working ethos Germany manager Joachim Low has instilled in this side. The forward will be a handful and will no doubt score some vital goals in the tournament.
World Cup best
Three-time winners, most recently in 1990.
Premier League interest
Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker, Ozil, Lukas Podolski, and Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle.
Most expensive
Ozil – £42.5m, from Real Madrid to Arsenal, 2013
WORLD CUP 2014 INTERACTIVE GUIDE: The groups, fixtures, route to the final, venues and past winners
Ghana
How they qualified
CAF Third Round winners
Key player
Kevin Prince-Boateng (Schalke) The Schalke midfielder has been in goalscoring form so far this season, scoring 14 goals in all appearances to date.
Dangerman
Asamoah Gyan (Al-Ain)- The captain has scored 39 goals in 77 appearances for Ghana. He’ll be hoping Ghana can repeat their success of the 2010 World Cup when they reached the quarter finals.
World Cup best
Quarter Finals (2010)
Premier League interest
Michael Essien at Chelsea
Most expensive
Michael Essien, Lyon to Chelsea for £24.5 million, 2005
United States
How they qualified
Concacaf Fourth Round Winners, finishing top in a tough group ahead of Costa Rica, Honduras and Mexico.
Key player
Jermaine Jones (Schalke)- The athleticism of Jones in the heart of the United States midfield will be key for their progression in the World Cup.
Dangerman
Clint Dempsey (Seattle)- After spells at Fulham and Tottenham, Dempsey has proved his talent on a consistent basis. His goals could be pivotal in leading his country out of the group.
World Cup best
Qualified for seven World Cups in a row. Best finish was the semi-final exit in 1930.
Premier League interest
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, Stoke’s Brek Shea, Aston Villa ‘keeper Brad Guzan and Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore. Plus the former Tottenham great Jurgen Klinsmann is the head coach.
Most expensive
Dempsey - £6m, from Fulham to Tottenham, 2012
Portugal
How they qualified
Beat Sweden in play-off
Key player
Joao Moutinho (Monaco)-The architect of Ronaldo’s goals for Portugal, the little playmaker will be fundamental in Portugal’s progression in Brazil.
Dangerman
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)- Actions speak louder than words, and his performances justify why he is considered one of the best in the world.
World Cup best
Third place (1966)
Premier League interest
Ronaldo and Manchester United winger Nani.
Most expensive
Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United to Real Madrid for £80 million, 2009
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