BRASÍLIA (SportingAlert) — Defender Pepe returns for Portugal in today’s must win World Cup Group G clash with Ghana, as both teams try to win a last 16 spot.
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Pepe missed the 2-2 draw with USA on Sunday after picking up a red card in the opening game against Germany, but is back to lead the backline.
Midfielder William Carvalho also gets a starting place, along with Ruben Amorim and Eder, while Miguel Veloso moves back to play in the back four.
Captain and leading forward Cristiano Ronaldo is fully fit and starts with Nani, who scored against USA also in the front line.
Ghana, in the meantime, are without two of the key players today in a game they must secure a victory to stay in the World Cup.
Midfielders Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng are both sent home by Ghana’s football federation for to disciplinary reasons. Muntari was already suspended for today’s match.
Portugal v Ghana
Portugal: Beto, Joao Pereira, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Veloso, Joao Moutinho, William Carvalho, Ruben Amorim, Nani, Ronaldo, Eder. Subs: Eduardo, Vieirinha, Ricardo Costa, Luis Neto, Rafa, Meireles, Varela
Ghana: Dauda, Afful, Boye, Mensah, Asamoah, Atsu, Rabiu, Agyemang-Badu, Andre Ayew, Waris, Gyan. Subs: Adams, Inkoom, Opare, Essien, Afriyie, Jordan Ayew, Adomah, Sumaila, Wakaso, Kwarasey
Referee: Nawaf Shukralla (Bahrain)
