The Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s most famous tavern, is not only to be found in the Bavarian capital. There is also one in Fortaleza, the most northerly World Cup venue in Brazil. The Hofbräuhaus do Brasil serves everything to suit German tastes: roast pork, meat platter, pork knuckle, Bratwurst... and they even have an Oktoberfest once a year. Optimum conditions for the Germany squad with its seven FC Bayern pros as they prepare to take on Ghana in their second group match in Fortaleza on Saturday (9 pm CET).
“It will be a completely different game,” declared Manuel Neuer after the brilliant 4-0 opening victory over Portugal that saw Thomas Müller bag a hat-trick. “The first plan was a success. Now we've got to make sure we get through to the last sixteen,” said the three-goal hero. Skipper Philipp Lahm said: “Now it's a matter of taking the cohesion, confidence and joy from the first game and focusing on the next game against Ghana.”
Brother against brother
Germany head off to Fortaleza on Thursday. Jérôme Boateng is available for Saturday's match despite an injured thumb. He may well play in his favoured position in central defence as Mats Hummels is doubtful due to a thigh problem. Boateng moved from right back to a central position in the game against Portugal when Hummels went off.
However, that is as equally unimportant to Boateng at the moment as is playing against his brother Kevin-Prince, a member of the Ghana squad. “Everybody is concentrating on their own game,” vouched the FCB defender ahead of the World Cup clash with his brother. Germany are keen to build on the performance in the Portugal game. “We need to maintain our focus and then we'll be in with more than a good chance of reaching the last sixteen,” said Toni Kroos. There will certainly be a lot of crossed fingers in the Hofbräuhaus do Brasil.
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