Germany vs. Portugal, World Cup 2014: Lineups
Two World Cup giants face off as Group G action commences. Here are the lineups for Germany vs. Portugal.
Martin Rose
Germany boss Joachim Löw has switched to a fluid 4-3-3 for Germany's World Cup opener against Portugal. Their back four is entirely made up of centre-backs, with Jerome Boateng seemingly given the task of trying to stop Cristiano Ronaldo at right-back. Mesut Özil, Mario Götze and Thomas Müller make up a fluid attacking trident.
Portugal also opt for the 4-3-3, but theirs is likely to be more compact and counter-attacking than their opponents'. The only real dilemma for Paulo Bento heading into the game was who he'd play in the defensive midfield role -- he's favoured veteran Miguel Veloso over young talent William Carvalho.
Germany starting lineup (4-3-3): Manuel Neuer; Benedikt Höwedes, Mats Hummels, Per Mertesacker, Jerome Boateng; Sami Khedira, Philipp Lahm, Toni Kroos; Mesut Özil, Mario Götze, Thomas Müller.
Portugal starting lineup (4-3-3): Rui Patrício; Fábio Coentrão, Bruno Alves, Pepe, João Pereira; Raul Meireles, Miguel Veloso, João Moutinho; Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Almeida, Nani.
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