Portugal's task is
further complicated because their goal difference is minus four worse than the
four Germans and one of the Americans.
Ghana, which has a
difference of minus one, harbors more hope. A victory in the Brazilian capital,
combined with a win in Germany, would place in the second round and would exclude
the United States.
Speculations have
emerged since Portugal rescued a 2-2 draw against USA in the second game. Under
these assumptions, Germans and Americans make little effort to get the draw,
which leaves both ranked.
But the Portuguese can
only blame themselves for being in such a complicated situation. Even before
Pepe won expulsion of striking a header in the 4-0 thrashing by Portugal
suffered against Germany, the team has not reflected on the court its status
ranking fourth in the finals.
Ghana has offered more than Portugal in Brazil, and it can be
considered unlucky to have only one point after falling 2-1 to the United
States and a 2-2 draw against the Germans.
