Artem Sokolov, exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza
VK continues to discuss the teams of the World Cup in Brazil. Now it is the turn of Group G with Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the USA.
Germany
Germany is one of the main favorites in the tournament. The head coach Joachim Löw has many talented football players. Due to such a variety of players, Germany can easily substitute players with no loss in quality. And even Marco Reus’s injury shouldn’t be a big deal for the team. Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Kroos, Götze, Özil, Schürrle, Müller, Podolski and Klose will do their best to substitute Reus. The main problem of Germany could be the lack of experience of some players and various difficulties with the readiness of well-known players. However, Germany has to get into the play-offs. Strict discipline, the German spirit and mutual substitution make the team a real favorite in the Cup.
Portugal
Along with Germany, Portugal is one of the favorites for the play-offs in the group. The squad is quite balanced. Veloso, Moutinho and Meireles play in the center. Pereira and Coentrão are wingers. There are certain problems with the central defense where Pepe plays, but he has no good partner. Bruno Alves, Ricardo Costa, and Neto are not equal to him. Another problem is the absence of a striker. Of course Cristiano Ronaldo is an outstanding player, but he is not enough to fulfil serious tasks. However, Portugal is very ambitious. The team is experienced. At the same time, experts do not bet on Paulo Bento’s team.
The USA
The USA is the main mystery of Group G. The squad makes them hope for the last sixteen. The American goalkeeper is the experienced Tim Howard. The midfielders are Michael Bradley and Clint Dampsey. The main striker of the team Landon Donovan will miss the tournament because of a quarrel with the head coach. Altidore will play his role in attack, even though he is not very effective. To compensate for the lack of rotation, the Americans will show unprecedented devotion and strict discipline. They have chances for the play-offs, but it would be difficult, considering Germany, Portugal and Ghana.
Ghana
Ghana has won the Africa Cup four times. It is full of desire to surprise everyone at the World Cup. A squad that includes Essien, Asamoah, Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Gyan is able to beat any rival. In general, the head coach of Ghana has rather strong players, but in some positions they lack experience and skills. The Africans are too emotional. Obviously Ghana cannot fight for the first place in the group, considering Germany, but the team has chances of defeating both the USA and Portugal.
