Germany against Portugal, Jogi Löw’s men against Cristiano Ronaldo, The expectations in front of the game against Portugal are huge.

The Brazil 2014 World Cup is now at full speed and promises even greater excitement on Monday when Germany lock horns with Portugal at the Fonte Nova arena.

There are still doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness after he limped out of Thursday’s practice just one day after his successful return against the Republic of Ireland. The Real Madrid forward walked off the pitch with an ice pack on his left knee, suggesting that his tendinitis is not yet fully healed. The former Manchester United player has had plenty of knee and thigh problems during the pre-tournament friendlies and missed two warm-up matches.

Portugal players and staff though insist that there is nothing to worry about but this whole situation must be causing a serious headache to manager Paulo Bento as Ronaldo has proven to be an invaluable member for the team during the qualifiers.

Germany manager Joachim Low on the other hand is dealing with bigger problems as Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus sustained an ankle injury in the team’s last friendly and has been ruled out of the entire competition. Nevertheless, everyone else has been deemed fit to play, especially Arsenal’s attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil despite an injury earlier in the season.

Germany vs Protugal Group G Match:Key Facts

Portugal boss Paulo Bento is expected to take a risk on star man Cristiano Ronaldo for tomorrow’s World Cup Group G clash against Germany.

The Real Madrid forward has been struggling with both tendonitis and a thigh problem over the last two months, while his involvement in training has been sporadic.

However, it understood that the Ballon d’Or holder will feature from the onset on Monday as Portugal attempt to get their campaign off to a winning start.

Germany are currently on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions and breezed through their European qualification section for this summer’s tournament, with nine wins and one draw leaving them eight points clear of second-place Sweden.

It was Sweden that Portugal met in the playoffs after finishing second in their own qualification group, but Ronaldo inspired his side to an incredible 3-2 win in the second leg.

Portugal have also been on a strong run of form, however, with their last defeat occurring last September, when they were beaten 3-1 by Brazil in a friendly.

Germany have doubts over the fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira, meaning that Philipp Lahm should come into a central midfield role.

The loss of Marco Reus shortly before the tournament also opens up a spot in the attack, with Lukas Podolski the favourite to operate behind Thomas Muller, who should start ahead of Miroslav Klose.

Benedikt Howedes, meanwhile, is expected to get the nod at left-back ahead of Erik Durm.

Aside from Ronaldo, Portugal boss Bento has a clean bill of health for the clash. His back four is expected to include two Champions League winners Pepe and Fabio Coentrao.

Meanwhile, the early indications are that Hugo Almeida will start as the centre forward.

Germany vs Portugal Group G Match:Posible Lineups and Dates

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes; Lahm, Kroos; Gotze, Ozil, Podolski; Muller

Portugal: Patricio; Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Coentrao; Meireles, Veloso, Moutinho; Nani, Almeida, Ronaldo

Kickoff: June 16, 21 30 IST  Stadium: Fonte Nova, Salvador

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