Group G- Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA

[braves]

• Group G
• 
  Germany
• 
  Portugal
• 
  Ghana
• 
  USA

[TABLE="class: lines"]
[TR="class: linesSubHeader, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD="colspan: 8"]World Cup 2014 - Group G winner[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRow, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]Thu 6/12[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]8221 Germany wins Group G[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD] -185 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowBot, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]4:00PM[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]8222 Field wins Group G[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] +165 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowHR, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD="colspan: 8"]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRow, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]Thu 6/12[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]8224 Portugal wins Group G[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD] +315 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowBot, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]4:00PM[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]8225 Field wins Group G[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] -365 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowHR, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD="colspan: 8"]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRow, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]Thu 6/12[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]8227 USA wins Group G[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD] +1000 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowBot, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]4:00PM[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]8228 Field wins Group G[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] -1400 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowHR, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD="colspan: 8"]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRow, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]Thu 6/12[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]8230 Ghana wins Group G[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD] +1200 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowBot, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]4:00PM[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]8231 Field wins Group G[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] -1750 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[Monger]

Head: Germans, CR7

Heart: Germans, USA!!

 

[braves]

[TABLE="class: lines"]
[TR="class: linesRow, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]Mon 6/16[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]441 Portugal (World Cup)[/TD]
[TD] +½ +100+½,+1 -133[/TD]
[TD] +370 [/TD]
[TD] o2½ +100o2,2½ -130 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowMid, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]12:00PM[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]442 Germany (World Cup)[/TD]
[TD] -½ -120-½,-1 +113 [/TD]
[TD] -115 [/TD]
[TD] u2½ -120u2,2½ +110 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowBot, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]443 Draw[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] +260 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowHR, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD="colspan: 8"]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRow, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD].[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowBot, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowHR, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD="colspan: 8"]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRow, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]Mon 6/16[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]521 USA (World Cup)[/TD]
[TD] pk +110pk,+½ -135[/TD]
[TD] +205 [/TD]
[TD] o2 -125o2,2½ +113 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowMid, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]6:00PM[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]522 Ghana (World Cup)[/TD]
[TD] pk -130pk,-½ +115 [/TD]
[TD] +160 [/TD]
[TD] u2 +105u2,2½ -133 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesRowBot, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]523 Draw[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] +220 [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[guaranteeed]

Ghana is favored over the US? surprised

 

[Toronto_Mike]

yeah surprised a bit there, won't touch that game looks like another low scoring one as both know this is the game they have to get 3pts.

 

[orangemonk]

yeah surprised a bit there, won't touch that game looks like another low scoring one as both know this is the game they have to get 3pts.

wouldn't both sides needing 3 points mean a more-open game, meaning higher scoring?

 

[Toronto_Mike]

wouldn't both sides needing 3 points mean a more-open game, meaning higher scoring?

not in football, unless one of these two teams score very early sure. But they will do the Mourinho tactic, not to lose. As mentioned before, neither team possess high level of creativity or flare thus the goal will probably come from a set piece or a counter which will probably be few and far between.
Any open game is if a team such as Spain plays a team like Belgium, you try to attack Spain you are in for a miserable time because the counters are very fast past and they can spread that field quickly.
Neither the US or Ghana pose and threat on the wings either so really it's going to be a fucking LA rush hour log jam in the middle here.

 

[Toronto_Mike]

the best course of ingame will be 75th min +, if either of these teams are up 1-0 you can sure as hell know there is going to be a massive push for 1-1 or 2-0 off the break, very much like hockey where they pull the goalie out to either tie it or well empty net.
Also considering this is the first game for both teams in the tournament, they are more likely to be running a muck for the first 15mins, trying to settle and see who will dictate pace of play.
We've seen often in any sport one team goes bonkers in the first opening sequence, rattles the opponents but they don't finish them off. I think we will see Ghana go for it in the 1h, US will probably withstand that pressure and control the middle portion of the match.
If the US can lead 1-0 around 60th minute onwards, I"m pretty confident they can hold out, but if Ghana are up 1-0 60th onwards I think we will most likely see 2-0 then 1-1

 

[~Utah]

If im being honest with myself, I am gonna guess 0-0 for Ghana-USA

 

[orangemonk]

not in football, unless one of these two teams score very early sure. But they will do the Mourinho tactic, not to lose. As mentioned before, neither team possess high level of creativity or flare thus the goal will probably come from a set piece or a counter which will probably be few and far between.
Any open game is if a team such as Spain plays a team like Belgium, you try to attack Spain you are in for a miserable time because the counters are very fast past and they can spread that field quickly.
Neither the US or Ghana pose and threat on the wings either so really it's going to be a fucking LA rush hour log jam in the middle here.

if they're playing not to lose then they aren't playing to win... contradictory thoughts about how this game will go. You can't play to win and play not to lose at the same time. A draw here is roughly the same as a loss, so I could see both teams pressing to try to score.

 

[Toronto_Mike]

if they're playing not to lose then they aren't playing to win... contradictory thoughts about how this game will go. You can't play to win and play not to lose at the same time. A draw here is roughly the same as a loss, so I could see both teams pressing to try to score.

no it's not. Thus we have the +0.5 option
Greeks are notorious for this type of game plan because they know they cannot create.
Their offense is their defense, as cliche as it sounds but thats how they do it.
As I said, neither of these two teams possess enough creativity to really pose the opponents defence as a threat. Long ball/direct play will be their choice, most the plays on the ground will be broken up due to the tough tackling, especially on the Ghanian side which will be a downfall as there could very well be a red card here.
Just because they are pressuring to score doesn't mean they will do it, if you look at the CL games as a prime example of top notch teams just feeling each other out, a team like Atl Madrid and Barca when you see the names you think oh man goals, but nope they both are possession based teams and each one wants to dictate the pace. How often does Barca get shut out??
The only way this game goes over is if both teams are playing frantically whomever takes the lead will sit on it and wait, why attack when you can easily be hit on the counter?

End of the day playing not to lose is a "safe" option for both sides to begin with, who will dictate the pace? Who has the better counter?

 

[RetroVK]

Learned my lesson last Cup .... not going over any game 1's.

 

[twinkie13]

if they're playing not to lose then they aren't playing to win... contradictory thoughts about how this game will go. You can't play to win and play not to lose at the same time. A draw here is roughly the same as a loss, so I could see both teams pressing to try to score.

You just summed up soccer, no?

 

[Schrute]

USA+1000 easy

 

[Carolina Guy]

USA+1000 easy

I think for most of us it should be worth an easy $25 just to see. Nice payout should it happen.

 

[braves]

honest question.

How come US is the dog vs Ghana, yet Ghana is a bigger dog to win the group.

 

[Toronto_Mike]

honest question.

How come US is the dog vs Ghana, yet Ghana is a bigger dog to win the group.

this is what i'm a bit confused by too...

 

[KJ]

only thing I can guess is line for Ghana vs Portugal and/or Germans would be higher than US

pretty much a moot point but it's odd

 

[braves]

Interesting to see where this Ghana/USA line goes. I think if you like Ghana you take them sooner than later....

 

[braves]

odds to qualify are more in line with the game line

[TABLE="class: lines"]
[TR]
[TH="class: linesHeader, bgcolor: #C6D2DB, colspan: 2, align: left"]World Cup To Qualify Group G
Thu 6/12 6:00AM[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesFuturesRow, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]Germany[/TD]
[TD] -745[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesFuturesRow, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]Portugal[/TD]
[TD] -180[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesFuturesRow, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]Ghana[/TD]
[TD] +260[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: linesFuturesRow, bgcolor: #F6F6F6"]
[TD]USA[/TD]
[TD] +265[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[braves]

also, since my post US to win group is now +1125 and Ghana is +1225

 

[TheGarfather]

I put this in the top discussion thread but it probably belongs here. We'll see if my gut it right.

I wonder if I'm the only one who doesn't really trust Portugal. They only seem to beat the teams that they are decidedly better than. I feel that when playing teams of equal ability or slightly superior skill and team work they can't be trusted to make critical stops and score clutch goals. I don't have the same database of knowledge that some of you have and I haven't seen their friendlies or recent form. Maybe they really are a contender and I'm just being unfair. My opinion is derived from watching them over the last decade plus in WC's and EC's, but little else, so maybe my sample size of viewership is too small. Germany will certainly advance from that group, no questions asked, but I wouldn't be surprised if either States or Ghana advanced along with the Germans. I will be looking for good opportunities to go against rather than go with the Portuguese. Just call it a prediction that in the middle of July we will look back at Portugal and CR and say there were at least a handful of teams that looked to be a lot better, even if they shouldn't have by all rights.

 

[RetroVK]

Interesting to see where this Ghana/USA line goes. I think if you like Ghana you take them sooner than later....

All that Ghana money gonna come into the fray ...

 

[braves]

All that Ghana money gonna come into the fray ...

Haha, I typed that wrong. I think you will have about the same prices on the pk line by game time

 

[Pyppurs]

30 man provo team Germany

[TABLE="width: 670"]
[TR="class: teamwm_header_row"]
[TD="bgcolor: #000000"]Name[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #000000"]Birthday[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #000000"]Association[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #000000, align: right"]Games[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #000000, align: center"]Goals[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_section"]
[TD="colspan: 8"]Goalie[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Manuel Neuer[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]27.03.1986[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Bayern Munich[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]45[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Roman Weidenfeller[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]06.08.1980[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Borussia Dortmund[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]1[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Ron-Robert Zieler[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]12/02/1989[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Hannover 96[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]2[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_section"]
[TD="colspan: 8"]Defense[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Jérome Boateng[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]03.09.1988[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Bayern Munich[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]37[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Erik Durm[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]12.05.1992[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Borussia Dortmund[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Kevin Grosskreutz[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]19.07.1988[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Borussia Dortmund[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]4[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Benedikt Höwedes[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]29.02.1988[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Schalke 04[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]18[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]1[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Mats Hummels[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]16.12.1988[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Borussia Dortmund[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]28[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]2[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Marcell Jansen[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]04.11.1985[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Hamburger SV[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]45[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]3[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Philipp Lahm[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]11.11.1983[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Bayern Munich[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]105[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]5[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Per Mertesacker[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]29.09.1984[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Arsenal FC[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]96[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]4[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Shkodran Mustafi[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]17.04.1992[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Sampdoria[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Marcel Schmelzer[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]22.01.1988[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Borussia Dortmund[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]16[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_section"]
[TD="colspan: 8"]Midfield[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Lars Bender[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]27.04.1989[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Bayer 04 Leverkusen[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]17[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]4[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Julian Draxler[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]20.09.1993[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Schalke 04[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]1[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Matthias Ginter[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]19.01.1994[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]SC Freiburg[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]1[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Leon Goretzka[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]06.02.1995[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Schalke 04[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Mario Götze[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]03.06.1992[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Bayern Munich[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]27[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]7[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]André Hahn[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]13.08.1990[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Augsburg[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Sami Khedira[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]04.04.1987[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Real Madrid[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]44[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]4[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Toni Kroos[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]04.01.1990[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Bayern Munich[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]42[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]5[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Maximilian Meyer[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]18.09.1995[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Schalke 04[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Thomas Müller[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]13.09.1989[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Bayern Munich[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]47[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]16[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Mesut Özil[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]15.10.1988[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Arsenal FC[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]53[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]17[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Lukas Podolski[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]04.06.1985[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Arsenal FC[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]112[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]46[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Marco Reus[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]31.05.1989[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Borussia Dortmund[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]19[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]7[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]André Schurrle[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]06.11.1990[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Chelsea FC[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]31[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]11[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Bastian Schweinsteiger[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]01.08.1984[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]FC Bayern Munich[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]101[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]23[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_section"]
[TD="colspan: 8"]Attack[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Miroslav Klose[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]06/09/1978[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Lazio Rome[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]131[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]68[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: teamwm_row"]
[TD="class: teamwm_link, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]Kevin Volland[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_geburt, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]30.07.1992[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_verein, bgcolor: #F1F1F1"]1899 Hoffenheim[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_spiele, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[TD="class: teamwm_tore, bgcolor: #F1F1F1, align: right"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[Toronto_Mike]

I put this in the top discussion thread but it probably belongs here. We'll see if my gut it right.

I wonder if I'm the only one who doesn't really trust Portugal. They only seem to beat the teams that they are decidedly better than. I feel that when playing teams of equal ability or slightly superior skill and team work they can't be trusted to make critical stops and score clutch goals. I don't have the same database of knowledge that some of you have and I haven't seen their friendlies or recent form. Maybe they really are a contender and I'm just being unfair. My opinion is derived from watching them over the last decade plus in WC's and EC's, but little else, so maybe my sample size of viewership is too small. Germany will certainly advance from that group, no questions asked, but I wouldn't be surprised if either States or Ghana advanced along with the Germans. I will be looking for good opportunities to go against rather than go with the Portuguese. Just call it a prediction that in the middle of July we will look back at Portugal and CR and say there were at least a handful of teams that looked to be a lot better, even if they shouldn't have by all rights.

You are right that Portugal are a team that tend to play better against much more challenging opposition.
However, their formation and set up is tournament based they are also a very united team unlike some other big nations who tend to have some factions in them based on regions they are from. The only way the US advances from the group is if they beat Ghana, if they don't get anything there, they are done.
Portugal is an extremely tough team to score against and really only Germany actually have the likelihood of scoring against them. Don't see how the US or Ghana will score.
Since the 2002 World Cup, Portugal has advanced from the group stage during the following WC's and Euro's.
The reality is simple, they are playing against teams that have a hard time scoring, if Portugal are up 1-0 vs US or Ghana, they will win even if they are down 0-1 to those two, they have the necessary attacking components to either tie or come from behind.

 

[TheGarfather]

You are right that Portugal are a team that tend to play better against much more challenging opposition.
However, their formation and set up is tournament based they are also a very united team unlike some other big nations who tend to have some factions in them based on regions they are from. The only way the US advances from the group is if they beat Ghana, if they don't get anything there, they are done.
Portugal is an extremely tough team to score against and really only Germany actually have the likelihood of scoring against them. Don't see how the US or Ghana will score.
Since the 2002 World Cup, Portugal has advanced from the group stage during the following WC's and Euro's.
The reality is simple, they are playing against teams that have a hard time scoring, if Portugal are up 1-0 vs US or Ghana, they will win even if they are down 0-1 to those two, they have the necessary attacking components to either tie or come from behind.

They certainly have the ability to win, but I won't be surprised if they don't. I suppose that is the gist of what I'm saying.

 

[ArizonaKid]

+265 is a great price on the USA, they got a 40% chance of advancing so fair value is +150.

 

[guaranteeed]

That German team is interesting

Low was playing with formations all throughout qualification, and though it looks like they are finally developing another top end Striker in Volland (and Werner at 18 who didnt make the team) but they still arent ready yet, and I dont know if Klose can be relied on for a full 90

my guess is they play a 4-2-4 with Goetze as a false 9 in front of Ozil with Reus/Muller on the outside, and use Klose/Podolski as subs if needed

and if they do play that, I don't know if Ghana/US have ability at CB to not get drawn forward too much tracking Goetze/Ozil leaving the wingers a ton of space to cut inside with slips

 

[guaranteeed]

and to me, the team with the best chance of qualifying 2nd, gets a draw with Germany

if that's Portugal game 1, it completely changes how they go at the US/Ghana in their games

 

[Lareux]

+265 is a great price on the USA, they got a 40% chance of advancing so fair value is +150.

Where did 40% come from? Just curious, wanted to know if you saw odds to win in percentages like that somewhere.

 

[ArizonaKid]

Where did 40% come from? Just curious, wanted to know if you saw odds to win in percentages like that somewhere.

Nate Silver's # that I saw him give when the WC groupings were announced.

 

[Lareux]

Nate Silver's # that I saw him give when the WC groupings were announced.

Gotcha, thanks.

I'm not sure that makes much sense though....It seems as if Germany is pretty much a lock to win the group (or at least be one of the top 2)....that leaves one spot for the remaining 3 teams, which would give the US a 33% chance....however, Portugal is a pretty heavy fave over the US and Ghana to take that spot, so you'd figure the odds for the US would be lower than 33%....not sure where Silver gets 40% from. If you use what you will get back on your US bet (+265), it's probably more in line with their true odds (which at +265 would be about 27%), and should be an indicator of their chances in the book's eyes.

 

[J Galt]

Jesus look at that German team.

 

[Pyppurs]

GHANA

[TABLE="class: standard_tabelle, width: 658"]
[TR]
[TH="class: gross, colspan: 5"]Goalkeeper[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Stephen Adams[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Aduana Stars[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]28/09/1989[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Fatawu Dauda[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Orlando Pirates[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]06/04/1985[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Adam Larsen Kwarasey[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Strømsgodset IF[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]12/12/1987[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="class: gross, colspan: 5"]Defender[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Harrison Afful[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Espérance Tunis[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]24/06/1986[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Jerry Akaminko[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Eskişehirspor[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]02/05/1988[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]John Boye[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Stade Rennes[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]23/04/1987[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Samuel Inkoom[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Platanias Chanion[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]22/08/1989[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Jonathan Mensah[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Évian Thonon Gaillard[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]13/07/1990[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Dan Opare[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Standard Liège[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]18/10/1990[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Rashid Sumaila[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Mamelodi Sundowns[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]18/12/1992[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="class: gross, colspan: 5"]Midfielder[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Afriyie Acquah[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Parma FC[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]05/01/1992[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Albert Adomah[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Middlesbrough FC[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]13/12/1987[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Kwadwo Asamoah[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Juventus[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]09/12/1988[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Christian Atsu[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Vitesse[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]10/01/1992[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Kevin-Prince Boateng[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]FC Schalke 04[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]06/03/1987[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Michael Essien[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]AC Milan[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]03/12/1982[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Wakaso Mubarak[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Rubin Kazan[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]25/07/1990[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Sulley Ali Muntari[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]AC Milan[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]27/08/1984[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Mohammed Rabiu[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Kuban Krasnodar[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]31/12/1989[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="class: gross, colspan: 5"]Forward[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Udinese Calcio[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]02/12/1990[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]André Ayew[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Olympique Marseille[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]17/12/1989[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Jordan Ayew[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]FC Sochaux[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]11/09/1991[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Asamoah Gyan[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Al Ain FC[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]22/11/1985[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Jeffrey Schlupp[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Leicester City[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]23/12/1992[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Abdul Waris[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA"]Valenciennes FC[/TD]
[TD="class: hell, bgcolor: #FAFAFA, align: center"]19/09/1991[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="class: gross, colspan: 5"]Manager[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"]Kwasi Appiah[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0"][/TD]
[TD="class: dunkel, bgcolor: #F0F0F0, align: center"]30/06/1960[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[Pyppurs]

PORTUGAL PROVISIONAL WORLD CUP SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Sevilla), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon)

DEFENDERS: Andre Almeida (Benfica), Antunes (Malaga), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia), Rolando (Inter Milan)

MIDFIELDERS: Andre Gomes (Benfica), Joao Mario (Vitoria), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)

STRIKERS: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica), Nani (Manchester United), Rafa (Braga), Ricardo Quaresma (Porto), Varela (Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg)

 

[reNew Orleans]

anyone watching the ESPN special?

 

[Pyppurs]

about what? outside USA so need reference

 

[braves]

Road to Brazil special

Didn't realize jermaine jones spoke hardly any English

 

[sirwinzalot]

Unders in first games is definitely way to go. Teams play the first game very conservatively, they play not to lose, and at least get a point on the scoreboard.

 

[Pyppurs]

World Cup worry about bandaged Neuer and captain Lahm

Manuel Neuer was injured in the cup final at the shoulder. He wears his right arm in a sling. For the Bayern Towart to the World Cup seems in danger. Also to Lahm there are worries.

 

[guaranteeed]

Neuer said on his Facebook that he's fine, he's just going to rest the first few days

Bayern website says Lahm is fine

http://www.fcbayern.de/de/news/news/2014/diagnose-lahm-neuer.php

 

[GatorsLeafsBills]

Lets go Ghana

 

[Toronto_Mike]

Final 23 for Portugal

Goalkeepers: Beto (Sevilla), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patrício (Sporting).
Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Neto (Zenit St Petersburg), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia).
Midfielders: Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon), Rafa (Braga).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Nani (Manchester United), Varela (FC Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg).

 

[Toronto_Mike]

if that backline gets injured or red carded, they are in major trouble.

 

[Pyppurs]

CL derby final will interesting with the Portugal players Ronaldo, Pepe, and Coentrao - see if they put it all on the line with WC in almost 3 weeks

 

[CollegeKingRex]

lots of distractions for the Germans; they are spelled out pretty well here...

http://www.espnfc.com/team/germany/481/blog/post/1855423

 

[braves]

I was reading a German message board and they are killing Low after the Cameroon friendly. Tatics suck, team is not motivated, players play much better for club and so on and so on

I never know what to take from the friendlies. I tend to think a team like German isn't necessarily that concerned with results, its more used as a way to try things out.

What type of issues do the Germans have? Are any of them big enough to believe that Germany could be in a fight to get out of this group?

 

[CollegeKingRex]

the defense was particularly shoddy against Cameroon. Not sure if Neuer would have kept out the Et'o goal or not but the defenders in front should have never let it get there. Hard to envision them falling this far, this fast, in 13 months (I was ready to stick them in the final vs. Brazil at this time last year, draw pending of course). Now, who knows. They will be a case study in whether you can "turn it on and off again". If soccer is like the Nuba and they are the Miami Heat, then you can pen (not pencil) them as group winners and cinch quarterfinalists. If not, things could get real pear-shaped for them if the portuguese somehow beat them outright in the lidlifter...

 

[CollegeKingRex]

i perhaps did not directly answer you. they have seemed weak in the back as compared to last year at this time and some of their better offensive weapons are not in their best form - but again - you don't peak in May and win these things, so let's hold off for a bit longer. I will watch the next friendly with equal interest against Armenia on Friday.