Germany Wins #2014FIFAWORLDCUP Defeats Argentina 1 - 0

Germany have won the 2014 World Cup following a 1-0 win over Argentina in the Maracana this evening.

The two sides could not be separated in normal time, but Mario Gotze scored in the second half of extra-time as Germany became the first European team to win the World Cup on South American soil.

Argentina had a half-chance inside four minutes when Gonzalo Higuain flashed an effort across goal, but there were no takers at the far post.

Higuain then had a stunning opportunity after 21 minutes following a poor backwards header from Toni Kroos, but somehow he fired his effort wide of the post from just inside the penalty box.

Germany were next to come close 10 minutes before the interval when Andre Schurrle, who had just entered as a substitute for the injured Christoph Kramer, was found by Thomas Muller, but Sergio Romero was on hand to make the save.

Argentina had another golden chance after 40 minutes following a brilliant run from Messi, but Jerome Boateng was on hand to clear at the vital moment.

Kroos had a half-chance for Germany moments before the break, but his effort was straight into the arms of Romero. Germany again came close in first-half stoppage time, but Benedikt Howedes could only hit the post with a close-range header, before Muller was flagged offside from the rebound.

Lionel Messi had a golden chance for Argentina moments into the second period, but the Barcelona attacker placed his effort just wide of the bottom corner.

Schurrle fed Muller down the other end five minutes later, but the latter's low cross was cleared by Martin Demichelis during what was an end-to-end period of the match.

Miroslav Klose tested Romero with a header just before the hour mark, but his effort never had enough power to beat the goalkeeper.

Schurrle had another opportunity after 70 minutes following bright work from Muller, but the Chelsea winger's touch was poor and Romero was out to collect once more, with the score still goalless at the Maracana.

Messi fired one wide of the post for Argentina in their next attack, before Kroos placed an effort just wide of Romero's post after 82 minutes as Germany threatened to break the deadlock once more.

Gotze had the final chance in normal time, but the German's effort was straight at Romero as the match headed for extra-time.

Schurrle had a golden chance for Germany in the early stages of extra-time, but his effort was straight at Romero. Down the other end, Aguero flashed a low attempt across the edge of the German box.

Rodrigo Palacio was next to come close for Argentina after the substitute burst into the German box, but the striker could only lift his effort wide of the post after initially beating the onrushing Manuel Neuer to the ball.

Germany won it seven minutes from the end of extra-time, however, when Gotze showed wonderful skill inside the box before finishing into the bottom corner.

Argentina responded with a period of pressure, but could not open their tally as Germany secured the trophy.

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Per Mertesacker (@mertesacker) Is A Proud Member Of The German Football Team

Germany and Arsenal defender, Per Mertesacker went on twitter to let his fans know that he has always been proud of his national team.

The 29 year old German who debuted for Germany in 2003, posted an old photo of his as a young boy in 1990 wearing the old DFB jersey. See his tweet below!

1990 I was already proud of wearing my DFB outfit - perspective change a bit, but not the emotions! #DFBTeam #GERARG pic.twitter.com/UGpBJBdzDx
— Per Mertesacker (@mertesacker) July 11, 2014

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: (World Cup final) Germany vs. Argentina

Argentina and Germany will battle it out for the biggest prize in football on Sunday when they meet at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium in the World Cup final.

It will be the third time that these two footballing giants have contested a World Cup final, with Argentina winning in 1986 and Germany claiming revenge four years later - the last time that each team lifted the trophy.

Joachim Low's side have been installed as the favourites following their 7-1 humiliation of hosts Brazil in the last four, which was the biggest semi-final victory in the history of the competition.

The Europeans will also benefit from having an extra day of rest, having booked their place in the tournament showpiece 24 hours before Argentina needed a penalty shootout to overcome Netherlands in Sao Paulo.

Javier Mascherano has revealed that he 'stretched his anus' in making a match-saving tackle on Arjen Robben that helped the South Americans reach the final, but is expected to be fit to start this weekend.

Alejandro Sabella has a choice to make between Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, who returned from a muscle strain as a substitute in the semi-final, as his lone striker.

Lionel Messi is likely to again be given a free role in the Argentine attack, and could be joined in the starting XI by Angel di Maria, who is "training at 80%" as he recovers from the thigh injury that ruled him out against the Dutch, with Enzo Perez the most probable player to be sacrificed.

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is Germany's main injury doubt, having been taken off at half time in the thrashing of the Selecao with a knee injury that has since been found to be tendonitis.

Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker is on standby, and his Gunners teammate Mesut Ozil should get the nod over Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle, whom Low prefers to use in an impact substitute role.

Schurrle scored two of Germany's seven against Brazil off the bench, with Toni Kroos another to bag a brace and Sami Khedira, Thomas Muller and now all-time World Cup top scorer Miroslav Klose also netting.

Muller and Messi are still in contention for the Golden Boot. Colombia's James Rodriguez currently leads the way with six strikes, which is one more than Muller and two more than Messi.

Recent form

Germany: WWDWDW

Argentina: DWDWWW

Possible starting lineups

Germany: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; Ozil, Kroos, Muller; Klose

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Rojo; Mascherano, Biglia, Di Maria; Lavezzi, Messi, Higuain

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Brazil 1 - 7 Germany

Germany produced one of the most memorable displays in World Cup history by thrashing Brazil 7-1 in Belo Horiztone to book their spot in Sunday's final.

It took the Germans just 11 minutes to open the scoring as Thomas Muller lost his marker inside the box to volley home from close range as the Brazilian defence offered a sign of things to come.

Germany continued to pile the pressure on as they threatened with every attack, and their advantage was doubled midway through the first half when Miroslav Klose collected a pass from Toni Kroos before beating Cesar at the second attempt to score his 16th World Cup goal.

The home fans were not aware that it was just the start of an incredible phase of dominance from Germany, with Kroos making it 3-0 less than a minute later when he fired home from the edge of the box following good work from Philipp Lahm on the wing.

Brazil were further ahead moments later as Kroos helped himself to his second of the night by slotting home after he had combined with Sami Khedira to steal possession from Fernandinho.

Germany's fifth arrived before the break when Khedira got the goal his impressive display deserved by rolling the ball past a helpless Cesar, who had been forced out of position by Mesut Ozil's clever pass.

Luiz Felipe Scolari was forced to make changes at the break, and his humiliated side returned looking slightly more dangerous after the interval as Manuel Neuer was twice forced to deny Ramires.

Despite a clear improvement from the hosts going forward, their defensive frailties were still obvious to everyone watching as Cesar responded to push away Muller's curled effort from the edge of the box.

Andre Schurrle was introduced to add another option for the Germans in the attacking third of the pitch, and the Chelsea forward soon made an impact as he connected with Lahm's cross to make it 6-0 with just over 20 minutes remaining.

The frustration from the Brazilians was clear, but they were powerless to prevent the dominant Germans from extending their lead even further 10 minutes later as Schurrle sprinted away from David Luiz before hammering the ball in off the crossbar from a tight angle.

Oscar broke free of his markers in the final minute as Low's side continued to look for more goals, but the attacking midfielder's emphatic finish past Neuer failed to bring any joy to the home supporters on a night which belonged to the Germans.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Brazil Vs Germany

Host nation Brazil will attempt to secure a place in the final at the World Cup when they take on Germany in their last-four clash in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.

Luiz Felipe Scolari will be without Neymar, who has been their top scorer so far in this tournament, as he suffered a fractured vertebra during their quarter-final win over Colombia.

Brazil will also be missing their captain Thiago Silva after he picked up his second booking of the tournament, while Willian sustained a back injury during training, but insists that it will not stop him playing.

Meanwhile, Germany are still dealing with a bout of flu that has been working its way through the squad over the last week.

Defender Per Mertesacker missed training this weekend after coming down with the illness, while Bastian Schweinsteiger has been working away from his teammates.

However, Joachim Low has no players suspended and has reported no fresh injuries following their quarter-final win over France.

In the only previous World Cup meeting between these two sides, Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 to claim the 2002 title, while the Germans won a friendly between the pair in their most recent meeting in 2011.

Recent form

Brazil: WWDWDW

Germany: WWDWWW

Possible starting lineups

Brazil: Cesar, Maicon, Luiz, Alves, Marcelo, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Hulk, Oscar, Willian, Fred

Germany: Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Lahm, Mertesacker, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Ozil, Muller, Klose

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: France 0 - 1 Germany

Germany have sealed their progression into the semi-finals of the World Cup after Mats Hummels's first-half header was enough to down France in the Maracana this evening.

The Borussia Dortmund defender was on hand to head past Hugo Lloris on 13 minutes to send his nation into the last-four stage of the tournament, where they will face either Brazil or Colombia.

The build-up to the encounter was dominated by reports that many of the German camp had been suffering with flu.

However, there were no signs of fatigue early on and Joachim Low's side put to bed any rumors of malaise when Hummels nodded them ahead within 15 minutes.

The centre-half, recalled to the starting lineup in place of Per Mertesacker, vindicated his coach's faith in him by out-muscling Raphael Varane to glance a Toni Kroos free kick past Lloris.

Les Bleus slowly grew into the game and fashioned two goalscoring opportunities before the break, with Manuel Neuer producing a tidy save to deny Mathieu Valbuena before Karim Benzema was also thwarted by the Bayern Munich shot-stopper.

Didier Deschamps's side managed to retain that momentum after the break and began the second half strongly, as Patrice Evra beat the offside trap from a free kick but his tame header never tested Neuer.

Having scored the opener, Hummels then denied France a prospective equaliser by throwing himself in the line of fire to block Benzema's close-range effort.

Unperturbed by the missed chance, France continued in the same vein and Neuer was forced to palm away Blaise Matuidi's thumping shot from an acute angle.

Andre Schurrle could, and perhaps should, have put the result beyond doubt in the closing 10 minutes, firing Mesut Ozil's cut-back pass at Lloris following a swift counter-attack from the Germans.

The Chelsea ace was denied again moments later, this time firing against the frame of Varane, but the missed opportunities would not come back to haunt Low's troops as Germany held on to seal their place in the semis for a record fourth successive tournament.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: France Vs Germany

Two of the heavyweights of European football will go head to head in the quarter-finals at the World Cup later this week when France take on Germany at the Maracana.

France have reached the final of the World Cup the last two times that they have progressed beyond the group stages of the tournament, and will be hoping to continue that trend on Friday.

Didier Deschamps should have a full squad to chose from for the match, having reported no new injuries, while FIFA has decided not to punish Blaise Matuidi for a challenge on Ogenyi Onazi in their round-of-16 clash with Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Joachim Low will be without Shkodran Mustafi, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a thigh injury, but Mats Hummels is thought to be nearing a return to fitness so could take his place in the starting lineup.

There are no other injuries or suspensions to trouble the Germans as they attempt to reach the last four for the fourth tournament in a row.

Last time the two countries played in the World Cup, the German side secured a 2-0 win over France in 1986.

Recent form
France: DWWWDW

Germany: DWWDWW

Possible starting lineups
France: Lloris, Debuchy, Varane, Koscielny, Evra, Pogba, Matuidi, Cabaye, Valbuena, Giroud, Benzema

Germany: Neuer, Hummels, Mertesacker, Boateng, Howedes, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Kroos, Ozil, Muller, Gotze

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Germany 2 - 1 Algeria

Two goals in extra time have fired Germany into the last eight of the World Cup at the expense of a tenacious Algeria team.

The African side started the stronger of the two, though they were unable to create any real opportunities until the 17th minute when Islam Slimani headed the ball into the net from an offside position, only for referee Sandro Ricci to correctly disallow it.

Two minutes later Algeria were causing more problems for the Germans as Faouzi Ghoulam managed to get the better of Mesut Ozil before flashing his shot wide of the far post.

Die Mannschaft began to grow into the game as the first half progressed, with Toni Kroos combining well with Bastian Schweinsteiger, only for Ozil's resulting effort to be parried away by Rais M'Bolhi.

Hilal Soudani's effort from range very nearly led to the breakthrough, but the deflected effort ended up narrowly wide of the target after leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer wrong-footed.

Despite creating the better chances, M'bolhi was called on to produce a fine double save to deny first Kroos's 25-yard drive down low, before quickly getting up to block Mario Gotze's rebound from close range to ensure that the scores remained level at the break.

Andre Schurrle was introduced at the interval, and he came close to making an instant impact only for his deflected shot to end up wide for a corner to the relief of M'Bolhi.

The African keeper was needed once more seconds later to deny Germany on the 55-minute mark, when Phillip Lahm's effort from just outside the area was tipped wide.

Yet it was not all Germany's way, as Slimani managed to test Neuer following a quick break from the Fennec Foxes as the game entered the final 15 minutes.

Shortly after Thomas Muller fizzed a cross into the box which Schweinsteiger could only glance wide, while Muller soon thought he had himself scored with a headed effort of his own which was once more kept out by M'Bolhi.

The pressure was beginning to tell as the game edged towards the end of normal time, and Muller was presented with another chance to open the scoring. The German forward was played in over the top before cutting inside Halliche but his poked effort was wide of the post.

Extra time started with a bang as Germany took the lead just minutes in when Schurrle headed home a cross from Muller from close range.

Algeria's best chance to equalise came moments later when the ball fell kindly for Mehdi Mostefa inside the box, but his snap-shot flew narrowly wide of the post.

Germany made certain of their place in the last eight with a late strike from Ozil, who smashed the ball home from close range, though Algeria set up a grandstand finish.

Abdelmoumene Djabou netted a consolation goal for the Africans right at the death, but couldn't prevent his side from bowing out of the competition.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Germany Vs Algeria

Three-time World Cup winners Germany have never failed to reach the last eight when they have participated in the tournament and can do so once more if they beat Algeria on Monday evening.

Joachim Low's team advanced to the last 16 by coming top of Group G on seven points and will be heavily fancied to overcome surprise side Algeria, who reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history by finishing second behind Belgium in Group H.

Some have said that Monday's meeting in Porto Alegre is a grudge match for Algeria after Germany's suspect 1-0 win over Austria in 1982 ensured that they could not progress in Spain.

Low, however, doesn't feel that Germany's current generation of players should be brought into the debate.

After starting in Germany's final group match against USA, Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski will be missing from tomorrow's game because of a thigh injury.

He is expected to be replaced in the side by Mario Gotze, with Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil also in attack.

Algeria are ready to welcome back Madjid Bougherra in the heart of defence after he sat out against Russia to avoid being suspended for the first knockout game.

The two nations have met twice previously, with Algeria winning both encounters. Whoever triumphs will take on the victor of the France-Nigeria tie, also on Monday, in the quarter-finals.

Recent form

Germany: WDWWDD

Algeria: DWLWWW

Possible starting lineups
Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes; Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Kroos; Ozil, Muller, Gotze

Algeria: Mbolhi; Mandi, Bougherra, Halliche, Mesbah; Medjani, Bentaleb; Feghouli, Brahimi, Djabou; Slimani

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: USA 0 - 1 Germany

Germany have finished as the winners of Group G this afternoon, with the USA also qualifying for the last 16 of the World Cup, despite losing 1-0 at the hands of Joachim Loew's men at the Arena Pernambuco.

It was the Germans who had the game's first chance as Thomas Muller laid the ball off to Lukas Podolski in the box, however he skied his effort over the crossbar.

Muller appeared the most threatening in the opening exchanges and he almost made the USA pay with an effort from distance, leaving Tim Howard to get down well to his bottom right corner.

With the USA holding a resolute line, Germany were forced to take shots from distance, this time as Toni Kroos tested Howard with a teasing effort from outside the box, however the keeper saved well, leaving the sides to go into the break on level terms.

The USA were dealt a major blow after half time when Muller put Germany ahead, with the striker bagging a neat finish into the bottom corner.

Clint Dempsey showed good movement in the final 15 minutes as he looked to get onto the end of a teasing through ball, though Manuel Neuer did well to come off his line and collect.

In the end the loss was not to matter to the Americans, as Ghana failed to beat Portugal, meaning that the USA were able to hold on to second spot and gain progression into the next round.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: USA Vs Germany

Both the USA and Germany know that a draw is all that they require in Recife on Thursday to secure their places in knockout stages of the World Cup.

With one win and one draw from their first two group matches, the two nations are locked on four points, although the Germans sit top of Group G thanks to their superior goal difference.

In terms of team selection, having come off the bench last time out, reported Manchester United transfer target Bastian Schweinsteiger could be included in the German starting lineup, with Philipp Lahm potentially reverting to a more usual full-back position.

The USA, who are coached by former Germany international Jurgen Klinsmann, will continue to be without Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore because of a hamstring problem.

These two sides have met on nine previous occasions, with Germany leading 6-3. Their last fixture was back in June last year, when the Americans came out on top 4-3, thanks in part to a double from Clint Dempsey.

Recent form

USA: DWWWWD

Germany: WDDWWD

Possible starting lineups
USA: Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Beckerman, Jones; Bedoya, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey

Germany: Neuer; Howedes, Hummels, Mertesacker, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; Ozil, Kroos, Gotze; Muller

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Germany 2 - 2 Ghana

Miroslav Klose came off the bench to rescue a point for Germany in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Ghana in Fortaleza tonight.

Second-half goals from Andre Ayew and Asamoah Gyan had given the African nation a slender lead after Mario Gotze opened the scoring.

However, the evergreen Klose was on hand to equalise within minutes of coming on with a typical poachers goal to earn Joachim Low's side a point.

In scoring, the 36-year-old moved level with Brazil legend Ronaldo as the World Cup's most prolific goalscorer of all time with 15 goals in the competition.

It was Ghana who managed to fashion the game's first attempt, as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was forced to beat away Christian Atsu's well-struck shot on 13 minutes.

The Germans responded well as Mesut Ozil menaced in the opposition half, with the Arsenal man teeing up Sami Khedira to fire straight at Fatau Dauda, before his cross for Thomas Muller was cut out in the nick of time.

James Kwesi Appiah's side finished the half in the ascendency as Sulley Muntari's fiercely-struck shot tested Neuer, but the European outfit survived and took the lead within minutes of the restart.

Muller, who bagged a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Portugal in the Group G opener on Monday, turned provider to set up Gotze with an easy header on 51 minutes.

Falling behind only served to spark Ghana into life, though, as Appiah's men flipped the game on its head shortly after.

Ayew scored his second in as many games, providing an immediate riposte with a glancing header, before Gyan fired past Neuer nine minutes later to give the Black Stars a narrow advantage.

Low's decision to replace goalscorer Gotze with Klose was met with a chorus of boos by the Germany supporters, but the coach was vindicated within minutes as the 36-year-old wriggled free from his marker to poke home from a corner.

Die Mannschaft finished off the contest the better of both sides, and Klose fired agonisingly wide of the mark from a good position late on, but it came as close as they would come to finding a winner and Ghana held on for a point.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Germany Vs Ghana

Germany will move to the brink of qualification for the last 16 of the World Cup if they can defeat Ghana in Fortaleza.

The three-time winners eased past Portugal on Monday evening, and the four-goal margin of victory means that they are almost assured of top spot if they beat Ghana, providing that USA don't win their final two games.

Coach Joachim Low is unlikely to make any alterations to a team that comprehensively overcame their main rivals in the group, and Thomas Muller will be eager to add to his hat-trick after taking an early lead in the race for the golden boot.

Competing in their third World Cup, Ghana have never failed to reach the knockout stages, but boss Akwasi Appiah will be aware that his team cannot afford defeat if they are to continue that streak.

The Black Stars put in a spirited display against the USA on Monday night before succumbing to a late goal from John Brooks, and Appiah might decide to go with the same lineup for the game with Germany.

However, if he tinkers with his side, one potential inclusion could be former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, who made an appearance from the substitutes' bench in the first match.

Recent form

Germany: WDDWW

Ghana: LLLWW

Possible starting lineups

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Howedes, Mertesacker, Hummels; Lahm, Khedira, Kroos, Ozil, Gotze; Muller
Ghana: Larsen Kwarasey; Opare, Asamoah, Boye, Mensah; Muntari, Atsu, Rabiu, J.Ayew, A.Ayew; Gyan

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Germany 4 - 0 Portugal

A Thomas Muller hat-trick has given Germany a comfortable 4-0 victory over 10-man Portugal in their opening match of the World Cup.

Portugal had the first opening of the match on seven minutes following a frantic start, but Cristiano Ronaldo's effort from a tight angle was kept out by Manuel Neuer.

Germany nearly scored at the other end just a minute later after Rui Patricio's scuffed clearance went straight to Sami Khedira, though the midfielder could only fire off target from distance.

The Germans eventually made the breakthrough with 11 minutes on the clock as Joao Pereira brought down Mario Gotze inside the box, allowing Muller to sweep his penalty past Patricio.

Both teams showed plenty of attacking intent for the remainder of the half, and Portugal nearly grabbed an equaliser on 26 minutes when Nani shot narrowly over from the edge of the area.

Despite an even opening, Germany took control of the contest with 31 minutes played thanks to Mats Hummels's powerful header from a corner.

Portugal's evening got worse on 36 minutes when Pepe was shown a straight red card after a confrontation with Muller.

The defender took exception to what he believed was an over-reaction from the forward following an earlier clash, but the referee had no option other than to send him off after he went into his opponent with his head.

Germany took advantage of the extra man by extending their lead further on the stroke of half time as Muller was picked out by Gotze before supplying a ruthless finish from inside the box.

While the first half was full of action, there was a more subdued pace to the second period as Germany looked to conserve their energy.

The three-time champions could have made it 4-0 when Mesut Ozil was denied by Patricio from close range before Muller headed the rebound over the crossbar as Portugal struggled to make an impact.

Portugal rarely threatened their opponents, and Germany almost found the net again with 20 minutes left to play, but Gotze wasted a decent opening by shooting over from 12 yards.

Despite Germany's dominance, the Portuguese managed to carve open a chance soon after when Nani's stinging drive was palmed away by Neuer.

However, Germany had the final say as Muller pounced from close range to complete his hat-trick with just over 10 minutes remaining.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Germany Vs Portugal

Portugal boss Paulo Bento is expected to take a risk on star man Cristiano Ronaldo for tomorrow's World Cup Group G clash against Germany.

The Real Madrid forward has been struggling with both tendonitis and a thigh problem over the last two months, while his involvement in training has been sporadic.

However, it understood that the Ballon d'Or holder will feature from the onset on Monday as Portugal attempt to get their campaign off to a winning start.

Germany are currently on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions and breezed through their European qualification section for this summer's tournament, with nine wins and one draw leaving them eight points clear of second-placed Sweden.

It was Sweden that Portugal met in the playoffs after finishing second in their own qualification group, but Ronaldo inspired his side to an incredible 3-2 win in the second leg.

Portugal have also been on a strong run of form, however, with their last defeat occurring last September, when they were beaten 3-1 by Brazil in a friendly.

Germany have doubts over the fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira, meaning that Philipp Lahm should come into a central midfield role.

The loss of Marco Reus shortly before the tournament also opens up a spot in the attack, with Lukas Podolski the favourite to operate behind Thomas Muller, who should start ahead of Miroslav Klose.

Benedikt Howedes, meanwhile, is expected to get the nod at left-back ahead of Erik Durm.

Aside from Ronaldo, Portugal boss Bento has a clean bill of health for the clash. His back four is expected to include two Champions League winners in Pepe and Fabio Coentrao.

Meanwhile, the early indications are that Hugo Almeida will start as the centre forward.

Recent form

Germany: WWDDW

Portugal: WWDWW

Possible starting lineups

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes; Lahm, Kroos; Gotze, Ozil, Podolski; Muller

Portugal: Patricio; Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Coentrao; Meireles, Veloso, Moutinho; Nani, Almeida, Ronaldo

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