Portugal vs Ghana: World Cup 2014 match preview

A look ahead to the Group G match that could decide the second qualifier

Cristiano Ronaldo believes he is in the best form of his career heading into the 2014 World Cup (Getty Images)

It is the last match of the group and unbelievably enough Portugal could quite possibly get eliminated. The Portuguese managed to amass only one point in two matches, concede six and only score two goals – they also collected their heaviest World Cup defeat ever against Germany two weeks ago.

Follow Portugal v Ghana live here

Paulo Bento’s team need to beat the highly competitive Ghana and will have to do this by scoring a substantial amount of goals. If there is one person that can do it is this year’s Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who will start the match albeit a persistent knee issue.

However, the squad will be missing the services of left-back Fabio Coentrao who has been ruled out of the World Cup over a thigh injury he suffered against Germany. Centre-back Bruno Alves is said to be dealing with an injury problem but Pepe is ready to step in after serving his one-match suspension.

The world got to see the Ghana of old last week when they drew Germany and now the nation will be aiming for qualification in Brazil’s capital. Manager Kwesi Appiah will be missing the suspended AC Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari but can rely to the team’s star Asamoah Gyan to send the team through.

KICK-OFF: Thursday, 5pm

PAST THREE MEETINGs:

Both sides have never faced each other before

STATS:

This is the first time ever those two teams will square off

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has scored five World Cup goals and has tied the record of Cameroon legend Roger Milla. Now those two are the two top African scorers in the history of the competition.

The Black Stars have not had a clean sheet for six straight World Cup matches; in the process they conceded eight goals.

Portugal have managed to win only one of their last nine World Cup matches, which occurred four years ago against North Korea with a 7-0 score. The Portuguese side have lost four games and drew the equal amount.

ODDS:

Portugal to win: 2.25

Ghana to win: 3.1

Draw: 3.9

TV: Live on BBCi at 5pm