World Cup Preview - Group G - Germany

And now for the Group of Death

Nickname: “Der Mannschaft"

Absurd FIFA ranking: 2nd

Coach: Duran Duran backup keyboardist Joachim Loew

Match Schedule:

June 16 – Germany v. Portugal (Salvador, 12:00 p.m. EST, ESPN)
June 21 – Germany v. Ghana (Fortaleza, 3:00 p.m., ESPN)
June 26 – Germany v. USA (Recife, 12:00 p.m., ESPN)

Prospects: Germany were one of the revelations of South Africa 2010 and again in Polkraine 2012. Once it was clear that the old guard led by Michael Ballack was past their best, Joachim Loew unleashed a brilliant new wave of German talent including Khedira, Ozil and Muller. There are still some questions about a softness in the center of defense, but the Germans had a tournament pedigree second to none. They'll be there in early July - no doubts about that.

Key Player: Bayern forward Thomas Muller has the lot - pace, a great ball over from wide positions and phenomenal heading ability.

Youngster to watch: 22 year-old Dortmund left back Erik Durm is such a promising prospect that skipper Philippe Lahm has switched sides to accommodate him.

Who Will Get the Goals: Even though Miroslav Klose is now 35, he has a big tournament record that is astonishing. Klose has 14 goals over three World Cup tournaments, which puts him one shy of Ronaldo's all-time record for tournament goalscoring. Who would bet against him setting a new record?

Who Will Get the Cards: Bastian Schweinsteiger is a scrappy one who likes to put his foot in and often loses his patience.

Prediction: Out in the semi-finals. After sailing through Group G, the Germans will put South Korea to the sword in the Round of 16. Then the road gets tougher. Edging out France in the Quarters will leave the Germans exhausted - they won't have enough in the tank for the big semi final against hosts Brazil.