That Ghana will beat Portugal is almost a given. They are playing at what is now the "African time” during that afternoon searing heat. Ghana just needs to win 1-0 provided Germany can beat USA without the Americans find the back of Manuel Neuer’s net.

Portugal on the other hand must score five unanswered goals against Ghana because their goal difference stands at a staggering minus-four. Only match-fixing can save Cristiano Ronaldo and co.

The only fear in this game is that Germany and USA can play a deliberate draw. It favours both sides, and Jurgen Klinsmann, the team manager of Die Mannschaft during the 2006 World Cup, was the boss of Joachim Loew. He nurtures the current Germany coach and seconded him for the top job when he was stepping down.

However, because Portugal will be leading Ghana for most of the game today, Germany will have no problem doing the same to Klinsmann’s boys. Portugal-Ghana will be a draw, with Die Mannschaft poised to pip USA for top honours.

Both Germany and USA will be trying to avoid a round of 16-clash with Belgium and would be eying the ‘easier’ fixtures against either Russia or Algeria, who will battle it out for second spot.

Nigeria should have progressed as you are reading this; Algeria could become the second African side to sneak in with a draw against Russia. South Korea, who drew Russia and lost to Algeria, are still mathematically in contention provided they can hammer Belgium to offset the massive goal difference incurred against Algeria.

A loss to Russia would see Algeria surrender like Cote d’Ivoire. Africa does not deserve a second dose of pain. Algeria must beat Russia but they will draw. Belgium will join Netherlands and Colombia as the only two teams to collect maximum points with a resounding beating of the hard-running South Koreans.