How they got here: Steamrolled their UEFA qualifying group winning 9 out of 10 games.
2010 World Cup: Fell 1-0 to Spain in the semifinals.
Best case: Germany has been to at least the semifinals in the last three World Cups and while this team is banged up, Germany goes into every World Cup looking to win it. In a bracket where they won't face a Brazil or Spain until at least the semifinals, Germany is really contending with Argentina for that semifinal spot. Given the South American location, you'd think the Germans would be happy with a semifinal appearance.
Worst case: Key injuries leave Marco Reus sidelined and other key German players hobbled heading into a tough group. As crazy as it sounds, it's not inconceivable that Germany slips up against Portugal, then draws the US and Ghana. It's a long shot, but not out of the question.
Player to watch: Winger Mesut Ozil comes into this tournament relatively healthy and coming off his big money move to Arsenal. Ozil is truly world class and with others hobbled around him will be relied on to create much of the German attack.
X Factor: Bayern Munich's diminutive winger Mario Gotze solidified his first team position as the season went on and he's coming into this tournament firing on all cylinders.
GHANA
How they got here: Defeated Bob Bradley's Ghana side in the qualifying playoff.
2010 World Cup: Defeated the United States in the round of 16 and were extremely unlucky to fall to Ghana in the quarterfinals.
Best case: They enjoyed some good luck and punched above their weight in 2010, but if things come together they can advance from this group. They'll have to beat the USA in that first game to have any chance.
Worst case: With aging stars, Ghana is unable to repeat their heroics of 2010 falling to the United States in the first match and failing to recover with two more losses to Portugal and Germany.
Player to watch: Kevin Prince-Boateng, brother of Germany defender Derek Boateng, is one of the top attacking players on Ghana. He's a veteran of AC Milan, Tottenham and Schalke 04 among others.
X Factor: Michael Essien is an old 31 years old and can he reconjure his greatness for one more tournament. Their central midfield becomes a litle weak without him.
PORTUGAL
How they got here: Defeated Sweden in that epic playoff qualifying round
2010 World Cup: Fell to Spain in the round of 16
Best case: Ronaldo. Ronaldo. Ronaldo. The Real Madrid superstar goes into beast mode and takes Portugal onto his back leading them out of the group stage and past Belgium in the round of 16 into a quarterfinal match.
Worst case: Cristiano is hobbled by his muscle issue(unlikely) and Portugal struggles to find another offensive option crashing out at the group stage.
Player to watch: Look out for Portugal's big forward Eder. The 26-year-old has recently broken into the Portugal team and has a big body that could give the US defenders a lot of problems.
X Factor: Well this one is kind of easy. Portugal will go as far as Cristiano Ronaldo takes them, end of story.
UNITED STATES
How they got here: Won their CONCACAF qualifying group
2010 World Cup: Fell to Ghana in the round of 16 after winning their group.
Best case: The United States finally exorcises their Ghana demons and earns a point from either Portugal or Germany to advance second from the gorup with four points.
Worst case: The USA's tournament is practically over before it starts after a third-straight loss to Ghana. With two tough games after that, it's a very real possiblity that the old US & A could finish with 0 points.
Player to watch: Outside back Fabian Johnson has been arguably the USA's best player in the kickoff series games. The Borussia Moenchengladbach signing could prove to be an attacking force from the back for the United States making them much more dynamic.
X Factor: Jozy Altidore's two goals against Nigeria were perhaps the best development of the last month. If Altidore can find his goal-scoring touch, paired with Dempsey, Bradley and the other proven stars, the USA could advance from this group.
PREDICTION
Who will finish in the top 2 in 2014 World Cup Group G?
Germany 1st, Portugal 2nd, United States 3rd, Ghana 4th
Boy the USA really got a raw deal with this group and prior to Tuesday's Portugal thrashing of Ireland, I thought maybe the USA could pull off the upset, but this is just too much for them.
I feel like the United States will beat Ghana in their first match, but Portugal's draw with Germany in the first match paired with 4 points from Ghana/USA means we'll see Germany 5, Portugal 5, USA 4, Ghana 1.
What do you think?
