Germany v. Portugal World Cup Match Preview --- Will a Less Than 100% Ronaldo be Enough?

The Group G matches, better known as the 'Group of Death', start today with favorite Germany against a Portugal side with an injured Cristiano Ronaldo. This World Cup has been one of the most exciting tournaments in terms of number of goals scored in history, and hopefully this next match will not disappoint.

Germany

The Germans are once again favored as a team to make a run deep through the knockout stages and it is quite clear as to why when looking at the roster. Every position has either a superstar, a former superstar, or a brimming superstar. They arguably have the best goalkeeper in the world in Manuel Neuer, the best right back in the world in Phillip Lahm, and the best center mid in the world in Bastian Schweinsteiger. 

Lahm's ability to know push forward and play more of a midfield spot and send in beautiful crosses and passes all while also being able to get back and play solid defense is what makes him so special. Many past coaches of Lahm have referred to him as the smartest player they have ever coaches, and it is easy to see why when you watch a Germany or Bayern Munich game. 

Unfortunately for the Germans, a key starter and brimming superstar, Marco Reus, was injured in the pre-tournament friendlies and is out for the entirety of the World Cup. Reus is seen as one of the best young players in the world, and his combination of pace, dribbling, and finishing make it obvious as to why. There are several players who can fill Reus' spot quite well, so German fans need not fret.

Tactically, look for a 4-2-3-1 from the Germans, a formation that has been adopted throughout much of the Bundesliga and will allow the German players to play in a system they are most comfortable and familiar with. The lone striker will be Thomas Mueller, who is known for his movement off of the ball and his finishing ability. Although not very aesthetically pleasing, Mueller plays quality football.

Portugal

The Fighting Ronaldos are going to have their hands full with this German side, particularly with an injured Cristian Ronaldo. Some good news for the Portuguese came in their last friendly when Ronaldo played 65' and seemed to not be hobbled at all. However, the intensity of a friendly match vs. the Republic of Ireland and a World Cup match against Germany are two totally different animals. With Messi scoring a goal and leading Argentina over Bosnia and Herzegovina last night, Ronaldo will be chomping at the bit to score a goal and prove that he is the best player in the world. Unfortunately for Ronaldo, he will most likely be doing this by himself as the other Portuguese players are nowhere near the quality of Ronaldo or most of the German side.

Prediction

The Germans will show their quality and why the 4-2-3-1 is the best formation to utilize with their roster. Ronaldo will struggle with injury against the strength of the German defenders and will be held scoreless.

Germany: 2

Portugal: 0