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Likely Germany Starting XI To Play Against Ghana: Arsenal Duo To Be Involved, Schweinsteiger Might Return

After a convincing win against Portugal in their opening group encounter, Joachim Loew’s side now turn attention to an unpredictable Ghana outfit who lost their opening match against USA by a 2-1 margin. The Africans will be looking to get back into their groove in this crucial encounter while the German would be eager to qualify for the knockout stages continuing from where they left off against the Portuguese. Can the Ghanaian side at least cause the Die Mannschaft any trouble or will loew’s side just trample them with great nonchalance and ebullient ease?

Here is Germany’s strongest possible lineup for the encounter in Fortaleza.

Goalkeeper:

Manuel Neuer was hardly troubled by Paulo Bento’s men apart from Cristiano Ronaldo’s last gasp swerving free kick which the Bayern Munich shot stopper did brilliantly to parry out. Ghana don’t look quite the team they were four years ago in South Africa, and the African side might not be a stern test for the immaculate Germans. Neuer, though needs to improve his distribution acting as a sweeping keeper as the tournament prolongs in length and must not get complacent despite the Ghanaians being touted as not quite a major threat.

Defenders:

Mats Hummels’ injury means Joachim Loew will have to tweak his back line, but the German coach has guaranteed that the Borussia Dortmund defender will have until the last minute to prove his fitness for the game. If however he misses out, Phillip Lahm should seamlessly shift to right back with Boateng and Per Mertesacker holding fort in central defense and Howedes shifts out wide on the flanks. Both the full backs will dart forward with every possible chance looking to break open the African side in the attacking third.

Midfield:

Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to take the field for his first start of the tournament with Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira on either side of him. While Kroos is expected to be the anchorman, Kherida will look to play in a defensive role doing the dirty work behind the Bayern Munich midfielder. Schweinsteiger though will pick the pieces in midfield and his great passing array will give the Germans an assurance to dart forward boldly without being concerned about dealing with counter attacks. Arsenal’s Mesuot Ozil should play in a more advanced role alongside Mario Gotze who will play in a free role down the left side.

Strikeforce:

Thomas Muller donned the number nine role to perfection against Portugal and the 24 year old is expected to continue his goal scoring spree in this match too. Muller will have the likes of Gotze and Ozil starting by his side with the Germans starting with an evolved 4-5-1 formation without the ball but an attacking 4-3-3 in possession. Miroslav Klose was probably waiting in bated breath to emulate Ronaldo’s record against the Portuguese, but the Lazio striker din’t make it to the pitch. This time around it can be expected that the legendary striker will get to play at least the final twenty minutes.

Germany - Football tactics and formations