World Cup 2014: Your guide to Group G - Germany; Ghana; USA; Portugal

The lowdown on all of the teams in Group G

Steven Gerrard tangles with Germany’s Max Kruse (Getty Images)

Fixtures (times BST):

June 16 Salvador, 1700: Germany v Portugal

June 16 Natal, 2300: Ghana v United States

June 21 Fortaleza, 2000: Germany v Ghana

June 22 Manaus, 2000: United States v Portugal

June 26 Recife, 1700: United States v Germany

June 26 Brasilia, 1700: Portugal v Ghana

Germany

How they qualified

Unbeaten Uefa Group C winners, scoring 36 goals, more than any other team in qualifying groups for 2014.

Key player

Mesut Ozil (Arsenal) The graceful playmaker will be key in Germany’s attempt to overthrow Spain as world champions.

Dangerman

Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)The effective forward epitomises the hard working ethos Germany manager Joachim Low has instilled in this side. The forward will be a handful and will no doubt score some vital goals in the tournament.

World Cup best

Three-time winners, most recently in 1990.

Premier League interest

Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker, Ozil, Lukas Podolski, and Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle.

Most expensive

Ozil – £42.5m, from Real Madrid to Arsenal, 2013

WORLD CUP 2014 INTERACTIVE GUIDE: The groups, fixtures, route to the final, venues and past winners

Ghana

How they qualified

CAF Third Round winners

Key player

Kevin Prince-Boateng (Schalke) The Schalke midfielder has been in goalscoring form so far this season, scoring 14 goals in all appearances to date.

Dangerman

Asamoah Gyan (Al-Ain)- The captain has scored 39 goals in 77 appearances for Ghana. He’ll be hoping Ghana can repeat their success of the 2010 World Cup when they reached the quarter finals.

World Cup best

Quarter Finals (2010)

Premier League interest

Michael Essien at Chelsea

Most expensive

Michael Essien, Lyon to Chelsea for £24.5 million, 2005

United States

How they qualified

Concacaf Fourth Round Winners, finishing top in a tough group ahead of Costa Rica, Honduras and Mexico.

Key player

Jermaine Jones (Schalke)- The athleticism of Jones in the heart of the United States midfield will be key for their progression in the World Cup.

Dangerman

Clint Dempsey (Seattle)- After spells at Fulham and Tottenham, Dempsey has proved his talent on a consistent basis. His goals could be pivotal in leading his country out of the group.

World Cup best

Qualified for seven World Cups in a row. Best finish was the semi-final exit in 1930.

Premier League interest

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, Stoke’s Brek Shea, Aston Villa ‘keeper Brad Guzan and Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore. Plus the former Tottenham great Jurgen Klinsmann is the head coach.

Most expensive

Dempsey - £6m, from Fulham to Tottenham, 2012

Portugal

How they qualified

Beat Sweden in play-off

Key player

Joao Moutinho (Monaco)-The architect of Ronaldo’s goals for Portugal, the little playmaker will be fundamental in Portugal’s progression in Brazil.

Dangerman

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)- Actions speak louder than words, and his performances justify why he is considered one of the best in the world.

World Cup best

Third place (1966)

Premier League interest

Ronaldo and Manchester United winger Nani.

Most expensive

Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United to Real Madrid for £80 million, 2009