Germany vs. Ghana: Tactical Preview of World Cup Group G Match

The first round of group-stage matches is in the books at the FIFA World Cup 2014, and now we turn our attention to the second lot.

Germany face Ghana in their next match, and they'll have to put in one hell of a performance to match their last outing against Portugal.

Germany

Joachim Low faces the unenviable task of following up on a glamorous 4-0 win.

Die Mannschaft destroyed Portugal early this week in their opener, with Thomas Mueller bagging a hat-trick, Mario Goetze excelling and Mesut Ozil finding space between the lines with ease.

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The 4-3-3 formation sent out featured four centre-backs, Philipp Lahm in midfield and no Bastian Schweinsteiger; we could be set for a few changes, but which players might come in?

Low is difficult to predict at the best of times, but how will he follow up such an emphatic win?

Ghana

Ghana's 4-2-3-1 formation was turgid, uninspiring and full of flaws.

They played their opener against the USA's 4-4-2 and failed to use their spare man in midfield to good use, with poor decision-making in the final third contributing greatly to their failures.

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Kwesi Appiah went after the U.S.' perceived "weak" left flank, and in doing so allowed the game to bypass their best player, left-back Kwadwo Asamoah.

Asamoah Gyan doesn't look as sharp as he did in 2010, and runners off the ball while in possession were hard to come by.

Two Tactical Clashes

1. Jerome Boateng versus Kevin-Prince Boateng

OK, it's not a tactical clash, but a battle between two brothers at a World Cup is tough not to get excited about.

Four years ago, prior to the 2010 edition, Prince seriously injured Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final and ruled the midfield general out of the World Cup. As a result, he became public enemy No. 1 in Germany.

Now, representing Ghana, he'll come up against his brother, who will represent Germany. Tasty.

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2. Counter versus Pressure

Ghana excelled on the counterattack in 2010 and during the qualifiers for this edition, and while Jurgen Klinsmann took that prospect away from the Black Stars, it will be ever-present against Germany.

Prince, Jordan Ayew, Christian Atsu and Gyan can all devastate at pace, and with Die Mannschaft almost certain to have at least 65 percent possession, Appiah can prepare his side for a more direct approach.

Ghana will never be able to break down Low's side, but they don't have to. While Germany will expect to dominate, they'll need to arm themselves appropriately to handle the African outfit's preferred approach.

Bleacher Report will do a tactical preview and review of every single 2014 FIFA World Cup game. Stay tuned to this link and check it every day for more.

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