Group G Analysis

This is the group! Whichever epithet one cares to associate, of Death or otherwise. Even with the standard and the quality of the German squad, they will find it hard to qualify from this group. Any slip-up will prove costly for the Joachim Loew and his super-stars. But still, given their profiency and discipline, the Nationalmannschaft is the favourite to top the group. No need to count on their stars, they play as a national team.

So, fighting for the second spot will be Portugal and Ghana, at least thanks to their current form. Then where does the North American team stand? Despite their seemingly over-hyped standing and pedigree, Juergen Klinsmann`s side has been one stable outfit and they, like the Germans, always play as a team.

But a certain Cristiano Ronaldo is playing his own game, in an altogether different league. This makes his national side Portugal, once the hotbed of talent, a real threat to any team on their day. All he needs is a free-kick in his range and one burst of run. But without Ronaldo, Paulo Bento will struggle to dictate against the teams of equal stature.

Then, there is Ghana. Always a talented side. The Black Stars finally hit form last term, reaching the quarters and found undone by a Luis Suarez handball. Ever since, the squad has grown a mature lot. Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan and Kevin-Prince Boateng can rub shoulders with anyone.

Favourite: Germany

Dark Horse: United States

Teams: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, United States