Portugal and Ghana are to square off on today's match, and a much-awaited, desperately-neede win is both their last straw to qualify for the Round of 16.
However, though there are two teams to compete for this match, the world seems like it only focuses on Portugal.
Portugal is a World Cup favourite, but their performance for this tournament is becoming a nightmare. This is their chance to wake up from that, and declare that they still have what it takes.
The Portugese have only managed to accumulate a grand total of one point from their two previous matches. Their opener against Germany was horrible- no, it is a shame. Portugal have been humiliated by getting defeated by the Germans by a 4-0 standing.
Their last game against USA was also considered lacking in terms of stellar. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. Therefore, putting Portugal at loss for confidence.
However, team coach Paulo Bento is still positive about his team. All eyes on earth are also fixed on Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been getting more haircuts than goals for this season.
Also, Fabio Coentrao and Bruno Alves will be absent for today's match because of injuries. However, Pepe will be back after his one-match suspension.
On the other hand, Ghana's performance so far is pretty good compared to their opponents. Though they failed to win their opener against USA by 1-2, the Africans quite redeemed themselves after ending their game against Germany with a 2-2 draw.
With that fact, it looks like they are already better then Portugal, who were completely thrashed by the Germans.
Ghana need to make at least three goals and have faith that USA loses to Germany to qualify for the next stage.
Portugal, on the other hand, need to win against Ghana with a large goal difference to be admitted for the next stage.
Prediction: It is pretty hard to predict the outcome of this game, as Portugal is performing really disastrously in their campaign. Nevetheless, this is their last chance, so I will assume they will fix theirselves and go win this match. But I doubt that they can have a substantial amount of goal difference. Portugal will win this game at 3-1.
