Cristiano Ronaldo has shaken off an injury to start in Portugal’s decisive head-to-head with surprising USA.
It kicks off at 23.00 UK time in Manaus and will likely be the crucial result for Group G after Germany’s 2-2 draw with Ghana.
This means a victory would put USA top of the group on six points and eliminate the Europeans, who already lost 4-0 to Germany.
Cristiano Ronaldo has shaken off an injury to start in Portugal’s decisive head-to-head with surprising USA.
It kicks off at 23.00 UK time in Manaus and will likely be the crucial result for Group G after Germany’s 2-2 draw with Ghana.
This means a victory would put USA top of the group on six points and eliminate the Europeans, who already lost 4-0 to Germany.
Pepe got himself sent off in that clash and is therefore suspended, while Hugo Almeida and Fabio Coentrao are sidelined.
Goalkeeper Rui Patricio had a muscular injury too and makes way for Sevilla’s Beto.
Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was considered at risk with a persistent knee problem, but is passed fit to start tonight with Lazio” data-scaytid=”11″>Lazio benchwarmer Helder Postiga.
USA got off to a blistering World Cup start, beating Ghana 2-1 with a goal in the opening minute and right at the end of the game.
Clint Dempsey will again lead the way for the Americans with ex-Roma midfielder Michael Bradley in behind.
However, Jozy Altidore is ruled out by a hamstring problem.
Portugal: Beto; Costa, Pereira, Bruno Alves, A Almeida; Moutinho, Meireles, Veloso; Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo
USA: Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Bedoya, Beckerman, Bradley, Jones, Zusi; Dempsey