Germany vs Portugal World Cup 2014: match preview

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Louise Thomas

Editor

The 2014 World Cup is now at full speed and promises even greater excitement on Monday when Germany lock horns with Portugal at the Fonte Nova arena.

There are still doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness after he limped out of Thursday’s practice just one day after his successful return against the Republic of Ireland. The Real Madrid forward walked off the pitch with an ice pack on his left knee, suggesting that his tendinitis is not yet fully healed. The former Manchester United player has had plenty of knee and thigh problems during the pre-tournament friendlies and missed two warm-up matches.

Portugal players and staff though insist that there is nothing to worry about but this whole situation must be causing a serious headache to manager Paulo Bento as Ronaldo has proven to be an invaluable member for the team during the qualifiers.

Germany manager Joachim Low on the other hand is dealing with bigger problems as Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus sustained an ankle injury in the team’s last friendly and has been ruled out of the entire competition. Nevertheless, everyone else has been deemed fit to play, especially Arsenal’s attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil despite an injury earlier in the season.

KICK-OFF: Monday, 5pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Germany 1 (Gomez) Portugal 0, Euro Championships, June 2012

Portugal 2(Gomes, Postiga) Germany 3 (Schweinsteiger, Klose, Ballack), Euro Championships, June 2008

Germany 3 (Schweinsteiger 2, Petit og) Portugal 1 (Gomes), World Cup, July 2006

STATS…

Both sides have played a total of nine times – before and after the Berlin Wall. Germany won the lion share of five matches whereas Portugal only won one game in the Euro 2000.

Both teams were undefeated in their last three warm-up matches but Portugal finished second in their qualifying group behind Russia and had to overcome Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden in the play-offs.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer of Portugal with 49 goals in 111 international appearances.

Germany striker Miroslav Klose became the top scorer in Germany’s history when he scored his 69 goal against Armenia. He now has a golden opportunity to make history and become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history as he is just two goals away from surpassing Brazilian star Ronaldo.

ODDS…

Germany to win: 11.1

Portugal to win: 29.1

Draw: 23.1

TV: Live on ITV at 5pm