Portugal vs Ghana: A goal-fest on the cards

Portugal take on Ghana tonight in their last group match with qualification to the 2nd round still a possibility for both the teams but it would depend on the outcome of the other group match between Germany and USA. Germany and USA are both on 4 points each, three points clear of Portugal and Ghana, meaning that a draw would be enough to take both sides through to the next round and make this match inconsequential. However after Germany’s shock draw against Ghana in the last match, both Portugal and Ghana would be hoping that Germany returns to their best form and dismantle the US.

However, even a win for Portugal and loss for US might not be enough to take Portugal to the next round as they need to make up a five-goal swing between themselves and USA meaning they have to win by a huge margin against Ghana and hope that Germany also defeats USA handsomely.

But much will depend on how Cristiano Ronaldo plays tonight. He has been struggling to produce his best form at the World Cup, save the one brilliant assist against the US, and Portugal need their talisman to return to his top form.

As for Ghana, a simple win might do the trick provided USA gets defeated by Germany. However off-field reasons have dominated the proceedings for Ghana with senior players Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng being suspended indefinitely from the team due to disciplinary reasons and will not take any further part in the World Cup.