It's just two years since Germany and Portugal met at a major tournament and since then much has changed for Die Mannschaft.

German False 9

While Mario Gomez scored a real centre-forward's goal with a second half header, Germany are tipped to play a false 9 in this match with Mesut Ozil or Mario Gotze set to fill that role.

That means crosses are unlikely with the Germans to use a possession-focused style as they have done for much of the recent past.

Thomas Muller's intelligent movement from the right means he and Ozil could switch positions constantly. That is something Fabio Coentrao will have to wary of at left-back for Portugal.

 

Portugal counter

Portugal almost always play a 4-3-3 and that will be no different this time with the Iberians said to play on the counter and attack Germany down the flanks with the pace of Cristiano Ronaldo and whoever is selected on the right.

Assuming Philippe Lahm is played as a holding midfielder, Ronaldo will relish the chance to run at Jerome Boateng who is the likely starter at right back for the Germans. However, although he is fit enough to start, he has struggled with tendinitis in his knee of late.

Hugo Almeida or Helder Postiga will be used to occupy the centre-backs - Per Mertesacker and Mats Hummels most likely - in an attempt to get Ronaldo into goalscoring positions.

 

Kroos control

Toni Kroos has become one of the first names on Joachim Low's teamsheet. Between himself, Lahm and the more box-to-box Sami Khedira, Die Mannschaft will look to keep the ball ticking over in as patient a style as possible.

As Rafa Honigstein told Off The Ball last week, Bastian Schweinsteiger is likely to be left on the bench, particularly with his recent fitness struggles.

Portugal's best young hope William Carvalho could start and he will have to be diligent at the base of the midfield as Germany try to send runners beyond him and around him.