World Cup 2014 – Dugout Discussion – Matchday One, Day Five

Fantasy managers are treated to a feast of football once again this evening, with a trio of fixtures on the agenda. Undoubtedly, the standout match is the 5pm kick-off, where Germany brace themselves for a tough opening showdown with Portugal:

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

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

Judging by the team sheets, Philipp Lahm is set to reprise his club role for the Germans, with the captain likely to be fielded in the centre of the park. Jerome Boateng and Benedikt Howedes are set to be handed the full-back roles, whilst further up the pitch, those recent rumours suggesting Mesut Ozil could be dropped turned out to be nothing more than red herrings – as many expected, the Arsenal man takes his place in the starting XI alongside Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos and Mario Gotze in the four attacking slots.

Portugal line up as expected. Cristiano Ronaldo recovers from injury to take his place on the left of a front three, with Nani wide right and Hugo Almeida handed the central role up top.

Later on, the second game in Group F gets underway at 8pm, where Iran and Nigeria go head-to-head. Both sides will be desperate for a win to boost their prospects of progressing, though with upcoming clashes against Argentina and Bosnia still to follow, neither of the underdogs have been subject to much Fantasy investment. Carlos Quieroz’ side are expected to park the bus and hit their opponents on the counter, though the Africans will be hoping the likes of John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Peter Odemwingie and Emmanuel Emineke can make the difference in the final third.

Our 11pm kick-off looks an even affair as Ghana square up to the USA. With both sides in the same group as Germany and Portugal, Fantasy investment has been minimal – Kevin Prince Boateng and Asamoah Gyan carry the main threat for Kwesi Appiah’s side, whilst Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley look the most likely for Jurgen Klinsmann’s troops.