Germany, Portugal look for impressive start

Salvador (Brazil), June 15 (IANS/EFE) On the same ground which witnessed defending champions Spain being humbled by the Netherlands Friday, Germany and Portugal will be aiming for an opening victory against each other in a World Cup Group G clash Monday.

Germany will miss star player Marco Reus but they still have enough quality to compensate for the loss when they take to the pitch at the Arena Fonte Nova here, reports EFE.

Joachim Loew's team will try to live up to the expectations of being a title favourites and prove a point against the Portuguese.

On the other hand, Paulo Bento's team will be happy with the recovery of Real Madrid duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe from their respective injuries.

Germany is second while Portugal is fourth in the FIFA rankings. The teams have met nine times before with Germany winning five, Portugal winning once and three ending as draws.

The other two teams of the group -- Ghan and the United States -- will take on each other at the Arena das Dunas in Natal also Monday.

--IANS/EFE

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