Portugal beat Ghana, but not by enough, and both sides are eliminated

Here’s how Group G shakes out:

Scores

Ghana only trails the United States two goals, but they’ll need to do better than pulling even on goal-difference in order to move on. Due to losing their head-to-head match with the USA that means Ghana either need a multi-goal loss from the USA or a one-goal loss coupled with their own multi-goal win.

To put it another way, both teams are probably going to want to pile up goals. This could get fun.

Ghana have been in even more chaos ahead of this match, with neither Kevin-Prince Boateng nor Sulley Muntari set to appear after they were sacked by the Black Stars for fighting in training. Emmanuel Badu will likely take Muntari’s place alongside Mohammed Rabiu in the midfield pivot, while Jordan Ayew is expected to return to the starting lineup in Boateng’s absence.

Christian Atsu vs. Portugal’s left-back - Portugal’s first-choice left-back Fábio Coentrão has been ruled out for the remainder of the group stages, leaving versatile fullback André Almeida covering in defence. However, Almeida too is in doubt for this match after picking up a hip injury, which could lead to someone else slotting into a wholly unfamiliar position. One man who would take advantage is Ghana’s tricky right-winger Christian Atsu, who has been excellent at the World Cup so far.

On Tuesday, Boateng and Muntari fought during training. Ramifications escalated when Boateng then allegedly insulted coach Akwasi Appiah. As if that weren’t enough, there are reports that Muntari assaulted a Ghana management committee member on Wednesday.

A wider rebellion also occurred on Tuesday, with much of the team protesting over monies owed. The Black Stars threatened to not make the trip to the capital, where they are set to play Portugal, unless the money was delivered. $3m, cash, was flown in on Wednesday and transported through the streets of Brasilla to the team’s hotel.