Ghana and Portugal are both still in with a slim chance of progressing to the last 16 ahead of their final World Cup Group G clash in Brasilia, but will be relying on the outcome of the Germany-USA match in Recife.
Germany and USA will face each other in the final group G game; with both teams three points clear of Ghana and Portugal, meaning that a draw would be enough to take both sides through to the next round.
The two teams taking to the field at the Estadio Nacional are therefore not in control of their own destiny, but either Ghana or Portugal could still progress if there is a winner in the other game.
If Germany win, Portugal need to make up a five-goal swing while a USA victory would mean they need to recover an eight-goal deficit.
Ghana’s prospects of qualification remain very slim since they need to beat Portugal and hope for a winner in the match between Germany and USA.
The Black Stars’ best hope is for USA to lose, leaving them needing to win and turn round a two-goal deficit.
“Ghanaians have a strong mentality in football,” said Ghana manager Kwesi Appiah.
“We always believe we have to fight to the end never mind what happens initially.”
Ghana right-back Daniel Opare is out injured and Sulley Muntari is suspended after collecting two yellow cards, meaning Michael Essien could make his first start of the tournament.
This will be the first ever meeting between Portugal and Ghana.
Source: Sky Sports
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