USA vs. Germany & Portugal vs. Ghana

USA vs. Germany & Portugal vs. Ghana

By Michael Gales Jun 25, 2014

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It’s all still to play for in Group G as Germany, USA, Ghana and Portugal fight to qualify for the round of 16. None of these teams are guaranteed a place in the top two of the group, so the tension is expected to be high when the group reaches its climax on Thursday. Read this Group G betting preview for all you need to know before placing your bets with Pinnacle Sports.

USA vs. Germany betting (June 26th)

Both sides currently occupy the qualifying positions for Group G but a win for either side could seriously harm the other’s chances of progression. Both nations are sat precariously on four points, meaning that a winner in the Portugal vs Ghana fixture could change the standings of the group dramatically.

USA and Germany are both undefeated so far in the tournament. The Stars and Stripes were denied back-to-back wins because of an injury time header by Portuguese substitute Silvestre Varela in an exhilarating 2-2 draw. A win in that match would have sealed USA’s qualification to the round of 16, and now they must face a German side that will be desperate to secure top spot and advance themselves.

Germany came from behind to claim a draw against Ghana in their previous game thanks to Miroslav Klose’s close-range finish. The Lazio striker equaled Brazilian striker Ronaldo’s all time World Cup scoring record of 15 goals, and will now be looking to break it in the upcoming fixture.

Germany are strong favourites to pick up the victory on the 1X2 with Pinnacle Sports and are currently being offered at 1.820*, while the USA are at 11.750*. Thomas Mller is still in the hunt for the Golden Boot, and bettors can get odds of 5.810 on him taking away the award.

Portugal vs. Ghana betting (June 26th)

It has to be a win if either of these sides want to progress. Even that may not be enough, as a draw in the USA vs Germany game automatically eliminates both Portugal and Ghana from the 2014 World Cup.

Poor results in their opening Group G games will be to blame if either are eliminated. Portugal were thrashed 4-0 by Germany, while Ghana were edged out by the USA.

Both of these sides do have momentum coming into the fixture though, which makes for an even more exciting encounter. Ghana will be happy with their 2-2 draw against a strong German side, and even though they did lead at one stage, good performances by Asamoah Gyan and Andr Ayew will give the Black Stars hope against Portugal.

Portugal looked out against USA until their talisman and captain Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a sensational ball into the box, which was duly headed home by Silvestre Varela. Ronaldo has been quiet in the tournament so far, and will have to be at his best if Portugal want to turn over a large goal difference and give themselves any chance of progression. Portugal are currently at 11.230 to advance from Group G, with Ghana at 5.390.

As for the match itself, Portugal are at 2.310* on the 1X2, an implied probability of 43.29%, whilst Ghana are at 3.010* (33.22%). A close game is expected with Portugal being offered as favourites on the 0 and -0.5 handicap.

*Odds subject to change

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