Germany will know that their last game of the group stage is a must-win. Without three points against Ghana, Germany will be heading out of the tournament early, and will face the derision of fans back in Germany, and will be blasted by the German press.
With talent throughout the squad, with the likes of Philipp Lahm and Per Mertesacker at the back, Schweinsteiger and Ozil in the midfield, and Klose and Podolski up top, Germany certainly do have one of the better sides in the tournament on paper. After their shock 1-0 loss to Serbia, Germany will have to prove themselves as one of the dominating forces of European football, or risk being knocked out of the World Cup tomorrow night.
Germany’s line-up against Ghana will be relatively the same to the one they fielded against Serbia, minus Miroslav Klose up top who was sent off and will be serving a suspension. My predicted line-up is as follows, with a couple of possible changes that could be key to Germany’s success against Ghana.
Neuer – Lahm, Mertesacker, Friedrich, Janssen – Schweinsteiger, Khedira – Mueller, Ozil, Podolski – Cacau
I have switched Janssen with Badstuber, and I believe Joachim Loew will consider a switch at left-back as well. In a previous article, I suggested Jerome Boateng would be played, who is a very physical, quick player that can really control things on the left side. Janssen, though, is more likely to be chosen than Boateng. He is very attack-minded, and his pace and drive will allow Germany to build attacks more easily down the wings as they support Mueller and Podolski who are always cutting inside and being double-teamed. Cacau takes the place of Klose up top, and he should have no trouble impressing for Germany with his pace and finishing ability.
Ghana only need a point from this match to advance to the next round. They will most likely play a very strong, physical midfield, that will plug the gaps and stifle the creativity of Ozil and Schweinsteiger. Asamoah, Annan, and Germany U-21 international Kevin-Prince Boateng, who is the half-brother of Jerome Boateng, will most likely start in the center of midfield for Ghana. This could see Ghana boss the midfield with their physicality alone. It will be imperative that Germany press Ghana and contain them in their own half. Should Ghana take control of possession, it will be no easy task wrestling it back from the Black Stars.
Kingson – Panstil, Mensah, Addy, Sarpei – Annan, Asamoah, Boateng – Ayew, Gyan, Tagoe
Germany’s fierce determination and drive to succeed will take them over the finish-line should nothing else work. The Germans know they must win; they will perform under the pressure and advance into the round of 16, where they will most likely meet Slovenia or England.
