Ghana face a stern test as they come up against a rampant German outfit. This tie also divides the Boateng family down the middle, as Germany’s Jerome Boateng comes up against his brother Kevin-Prince Boateng, who will be playing for Ghana.

The match kicks off at 3 PM EST/12 PM PST, and for viewers in USA, this is where the match can be watched –

English language: ESPN and WatchESPN
Spanish language: Univision, Univision Deportes Network and Univision online
Portuguese language: ESPN Deportes

Referee –

Sandro Ricci (Brazil)

Starting lineups –

Germany: Neuer – Boateng, Hummels, Mertesacker, Höwedes – Lahm, Khedira – Özil, Kroos, Götze – Müller

Ghana: Dauda – Afful, Mensah, Boye, Asamoah – Muntari, Rabiu, Atsu, Boateng – Andre Ayew, Gyan

Germany –

After demolishing Portugal in their opening fixture, the ruthless Germans will come out hungry for more as they will be aiming to make it 2 wins in 2 games. With several of the top teams already clinching their place in the Round of 16, Germany will want to do the same tonight itself, rather than taking things into the final group game against USA.

Ghana –

They were outdone by the United States at the death last time. Their realistic target would now be aiming for that 2nd qualifying spot in the group, but their task is not made any more easier against Germany.

Statistics –

The efficiency of the Germans, which has been worked on and perfected by manager Joachim Loew, was on show against Portugal as out of the 6 chances they created, they dispatched 4 of them in the back of the net. This is in stark contrast of Ghana, who scored just once in the 18 chances they created.

Also, 67% (or every 2 shots out of 3) for Germany were on target against Portugal, while Ghana were languishing behind against USA with an abysmal shooting accuracy of just 19%.

Men to watch out for –

Thomas Muller helped himself to a hat-trick to get his Golden Boot defense off to a flying start, and will be looking to add to his tally tonight. Apart from the Bayern Munich striker, Ghana will also have to contend with the threat of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in midfield.

Germany’s main strength lies in its strong, sublime and pacy midfield, and the task to halt them will rest majorly on the shoulders of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Prediction –

Judging by the relative ease with which Germany put Portugal to sword, I expect yet another strong performance from them and in the process, seeing a handful of goals and ultimately, 3 points for them.

Germany 3-0 Ghana