WFNY on the World Cup: Germany/Portugal and what it means for the USMNT

WFNY’s World Cup Diary: The Arrival WFNY on the World Cup: Group G Breakdown WFNY World Cup Diary: The Departure WFNY in Spain, champs thumped by Netherlands WFNY on the World Cup: Group F Breakdown USMNT win leaves questions looming WFNY Podcast: Breaking down the roster Klinsmann opts for potential on final roster Landon Donovan left off World Cup roster WFNY on the World Cup: Group A Breakdown SEARCH ENTIRE WFNY FC ARCHIVE

Four hours before Clint Dempsey was slotting the USMNT into the lead against Ghana via a shot deftly placed against the far post, Portugal was walking off the field against Germany with more questions than answers. The Germans were always favorites to take the top spot in Group G, but Portugal appeared to have the pedigree to challenge them for supremacy headed into the day. That perception couldn’t have been more wrong as the Portuguese camp could potentially be in shambles.

Portugal didn’t do themselves any favors and it is hard to believe they are actually as poor as the 4-0 score line handed to them by Germany suggested, but it definitely doesn’t portend a long World Cup run either. Already down 2-0, one of Portugal’s central defenders, Pepe, succumbed to frustration of what he perceived to be a flop from Germany’s Thomas Müller, and lightly head-butted him while he sat on the pitch resulting in a justified red card. Any remaining hope for a comeback from Portugal died at that moment. Preceding the red card, Portugal pushed the ball forward well, but their attacks often fizzled as the Germans made sure to keep Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo closely watched by two men at almost all times, daring another forward to beat them. They could not get it done.

The result is a hopeful one for fans of the USMNT as not only were Portugal beaten, but the -4 goal differential they collected in the loss could be a huge obstacle to overcome as goal differential is the go-to tiebreaker at the end of the group stage. The USMNT has shown it is not the best at playing possession football, but with Portugal carrying such a negative goal differential into the match they will be forced to attack the United States which could play into their hands. If the USMNT can manage a draw against Portugal and then suffer even just a 1-0 defeat against Germany that could be enough to see them through to the round of 16 as it is unlikely Portugal will be able to match the United States on goal differential.

Adding to the Portugese’s pain from Monday will be the potential loss of striker Hugo Almedia and left-back Fabio Coentrão to injury along with the suspension that accompanies Pepe’s red card. I wrote in my Group G breakdown that one of Portugal’s greatest strengths was the consistency within their roster as almost the entire starting XI was a carryover from the team that made it to the semi-finals of the 2012 European Championships. This will not be as much the case come Sunday as Portugal’s manager Paulo Bento will have to look to some new faces to fill the gaps.

There is a perception that Portugal at times is a “one man team” which is a little over simplified, but when it comes to their attack somewhat true. Portugal have been unable to find a solid striker for what seems like forever and Nani, who plays on the opposite wing as Ronaldo, has not played well as of late for club or country. If the USMNT employ a similar strategy of trying to ensure that Ronaldo is not the one to beat them they could manage to snatch another surprise result. The problem will be that unlike Ghana, Portugal will not be as uncomfortable on the ball and will be able to apply much more pressure if the United States decides to sit back. Furthermore Portugal are a huge threat from set pieces with Ronaldo in the lineup and thus inviting pressure could lead to fouls around the box which will set up well for Portugal. The thing is, qualifying out of Group G was always going to take some luck blowing in the USMNT’s direction and Monday was a terrifically fortunate start.