The finest team made up of stars from Group G.
With the 2014 World Cup in Brazil starting on Thursday CaughtOffside has been picking through the statistics to determine who is in the best starting XI from each group.
It’s nearing the end now as we reach Group G, which contains Germany, Portugal, USA and Ghana and is considered by many to be one of the toughest draws.
With some help from WhoScored here is the best team of the group, fitted into a 4-4-2 formation.
GK – Manuel Neuer, Germany – 7.02
It’s perhaps little surprise to see the Bayern Munich No.1 between the sticks after another fine year with the Bundesliga champions and many regard Neuer as the best goalkeeper in the world.
RB – Jerome Boateng, Germany – 7.26
Staying at the Alianz Arena and another German who is actually often considered to be the weak link in the Bayern back four.
LB – Erik Durm, Germany – 7.46
Taking the spot at left-back is a 22-year-old who has enjoyed a breakthrough year with Borussia Dortmund and looks set for a great future.
CB – Mats Hummels, Germany – 7.71
The German revolution continues as it becomes increasingly clear who is the favourite in this group and Dortmund’s Hummels is considered to be among the finest centre-backs in the game currently – which has attracted Manchester United.
CB – Pepe, Portugal – 7.42
The first non-German player and it’s a defender who helped Real Madrid to both Champions League and Copa del Rey triumphs in 2013/14.
RM – Julian Draxler, Germany – 7.68
Still only 20-years-old this Schalke 04 attacking midfielder has been touted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe – including Arsenal – due to his experience and talent at such a young age.
LM – Kwadwo Asamoah, Ghana – 7.30
Breaking the German stranglehold on this XI once again is a member of a Ghanaian team expected to help fly the flag for African football, with Asamoah having won Serie A with Juventus this season.
CM – Kevin-Prince Boateng, Ghana – 7.33
The second from Ghana now and a player who is actually the elder brother of right-back Jerome, yet the two decided to opt for different parts of their heritage.
CM – Mario Goetze, Germany – 7.69
It didn’t take long before returning to Germany and Bayern in fact, as the third player from the Bavarian club makes an appearance and Goetze is expected to play a big part at the World Cup.
ST- Thomas Muller, Germany – 7.32
This spot did belong to Dortmund star Marco Reus before the 24-year-old was cruelly ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle injury, but such is the plethora of talent available to the nation that Muller simply replaces him.
ST – Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal – 8.25
It’s perhaps a case of saving the best until last however, as the current Ballon d’Or holder will be the talisman of a Portuguese side that looks remarkably average without him.
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.