G is for Germany for most people but then there's the world's best player who is determined to make sure that isn't quite the case. And don't forget Ghana and the USA, who know how to get to the second round too.
Germany
Squad -
GK - Manuel Neuer, Ron-Robert Ziegler, Roman Wiedenfeller
DF - Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Benedikt Howedes, Kevin Grosskeutz, Erik Durm
MF - Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, Toni Kross, Andre Schurrle, Mario Goetze, Shokodran Mustafi, Julian Drexler, Matthias Ginter, Christoph Kramer
FW - Miroslav Klose
Star Player - Mario Goetze - with regular playmaker, Mesut Ozil out of form and usual anchor, Sami Khedira just returning from injury, Bayern Munich's most controversial playmaker looks set for a big role in Brazil. He may not have featured as prolifically as he would have liked for his new club but he is still very young and will be fresher than his older colleagues.
Prognosis - Should dazzle and razzle all the way to the semifinals where they will once again hit a wall - this time, the hosts. This might be the one time the Germans might not actually feel bad about finishing 2nd in the group if it means a place in the Final.
Portugal
Squad -
GK - Eduardo, Rui Patricio, Beto
DF - Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Ricardo Costa, Luis Neto, Andre Almeida, Joao Pereira
MF - Miguel Veloso, William Carvalho, Joao Moutinho, Vierinha, Rafa Silva, Raul Meireles, Nani, Silvestre Varela, Ruben Amorim
FW - Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Almeida, Eder, Helder Postiga
Star Player - Cristiano Ronaldo - really was there anyone else? the current World Footballer of the Year is the whole Portugal team as we saw in that epic World Cup playoff tie with Sweden. Boosted by European success, Ronaldo will be keen to get the lusophile crowd behind him and the mother country with some dazzling displays.
Prognosis - Clearly a one man squad - could Ronaldo emulate Maradona in 1986? It's difficult to see with potentially Belgium, Argentina and Spain to come if they make it that far. Quarterfinals at best although Brazil v Portugal could make for a tantalising final.
Ghana
Squad -
GK - Adam Kwarasey, Fatau Dauda, Steven Adams
DF - Samuel Inkoom, Harrison Aful, John Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Daniel Opare, Rashid Sumalia
MF - Sulley Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah, Michael Essien, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu, Wakaso Mubarak, Albert Adomah, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Afriyie Acquah
FW - Asamoah Gyan, Majeed Waris, Jordan Ayea
Star Player - Jordan Ayew - Andre's brother had a strong second half to the season for Sochaux as his goals almost helped the club stave off a historic relegation to Ligue 2. Ayew will be the young buck in an aging squad.
Prognosis - You have to say the best of this team was 4 years ago where they blew their spot in the semifinals in that epic quarterfinal with Uruguay. Will struggle to make it 3 2nd round appearances in a row after being drawn in such a tough group.
United States
Squad -
GK - Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando
DF - DaMarcus Beasley, Geoff Cameron, Fabian Johnson, Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler, Timothy Chandler, John Brooks, DeAndre Yedlin
MF - Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Graham Zusi, Mikkel Diskerud, Brad Davis, Julian Green
FW - Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Chris Wondolowski, Aron Johansson
Star Player - Alejandro Bedoya - was in top form for Nantes, Bedoya will be the USA's attacking heart now that Landon Donovan is no longer on Klinsmann's radar. Bedoya also has a good eye for sneaking in a goal and could be vital if the Americans are to have any chance of an upset against Germany or Portugal.
Prognosis - No chance for a side with really not much to offer to two of the best sides in the world. Early exit this time unfortunately.
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