RIO DE JANEIRO: Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal aim to end a run of three defeats by Germany in major tournaments when their World Cup clash takes centre-stage Monday.
Ghana play the United States in a second Group G game, while in Group F, Iran take on Nigeria.
Germany beat the FIFA Ballon D'Or winner's side 3-1 in the third place playoff at the 2006 World Cup, 3-2 in the 2008 European Championships quarter final and 1-0 in the first round of Euro 2012. Other statistics weigh against Ronaldo as Germany have won all of their World Cup opening matches since 1990.
Germany had a number of injury doubts going into the much awaited encounter in Salvador, starting at 1600 GMT.
But goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will return to duty after overcoming a strained shoulder. And midfield star Bastian Schweinsteiger will play even though he was helicoptered to a hospital on Saturday for a knee scan at FIFA's insistence, the German FA said.
The 29-year-old Ronaldo is on a high having won the Champions League with Real Madrid. But he has been training with a heavily strapped knee in recent days.
A Ronaldo below 100% would be a major blow to Portuguese hopes, but he says he is raring to go.
“I have been practising for a few days, which I couldn't do if I was injured,” Ronaldo said on the eve of the game. “I'd like to be 110 percent, but I am at 100 percent and ready to help the national team.”
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