Both teams are well matched as they have won two each in the last five games between them, scoring 5 goals apiece. The United States could qualify for the second round if they win against the Portuguese and Germany defeat Ghana in the other group game. Portugal, on the other hand, need to get a result here if they are to stand a chance of advancing.
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After being knocked out of the last two World Cup tournaments by Ghana, the Americans beat the Black Stars 2-1 in their opening match. While the USMNT turned the tables on Ghana in dramatic fashion, Portugal were thrashed 4-0 by Germany and having seen what a demoralizing opening day defeat can do to the very best (see Spain), the Americans will be confident of three points against Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will be reeling after the humiliating 4-0 loss to fellow Europeans Germany in their opening fixture. It remains to be seen whether they can bounce back from such a morale-sapping defeat, especially with doubts surrounding talisman Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness. The reigning World Footballer of the year has excelled with the national team since helping them to the European Championship final in 2004 and the World Cup semi finals in Germany eight years ago. They also reached the semi finals at Euro 2012 and the Real Madrid forward single-handedly dragged them through the playoff matches against Sweden scoring all four goals in the 4-2 aggregate victory that qualified Portugal for the World Cup. Coach Paulo Bento and the rest of the Portuguese squad will hope the 29-year old is at his inspirational best on Sunday for them to have a chance of overcoming the United Sates.
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TEAM NEWS
Apart from Ronaldo’s knee injury which he was seen using an icepack on in training, Paulo Bento has other worries. The other two Real Madrid players in his squad are unavailable for selection against the Yanks. Fullback Fabio Coentrao has a groin injury which might rule him out of the entire tournament while Pepe got sent off against Germany and will be suspended. The duo could be replaced by Benfica defender Andre Almeida and Valencia’s Ricardo Costa respectively. Besiktas forward Hugo Almeida is also expected to miss the rest of the group stage but would be available for the knockout rounds, assuming Portugal make it that far.
For United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann, Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore is out with a hamstring problem and could be replaced by an extra midfielder leaving Clint Dempsey- who is also battling a broken nose but should be available- as a lone striker. In defense, central defender Matt Besler was withdrawn against Ghana with a hamstring injury and could be replaced in the starting XI by John Brooks whose late goal won the match for the US.
Probable Lineups
United States (4-5-1): Howard; Johnson, Brooks, Cameron, Beasley; Beckerman, Bradley, Jones, Bedoya, Zusi; Dempsey
Portugal (4-3-3): Patricio; Pereira, Costa, Alves, Almeida; Veloso, Moutinho, Meireles; Ronaldo, Postiga, Nani
PREDICTION
A confident United States side taking on a wounded Portuguese team is a difficult one to predict. The Portuguese are wounded both literally- with star man Ronaldo a major doubt- and metaphorically after that 4-0 mauling and will be looking to get their campaign back on track. If Cristiano Ronaldo is fit enough to take the pitch, the Real Madrid man will be difference between two otherwise evenly matched teams.
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