SALVADOR, Brazil (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo is in the starting lineup for Portugal’s World Cup opener against Germany on Monday.
The star striker has been bothered by a left-knee injury but declared himself fit and ready the day before the match. Nani was also in the starting lineup as the second forward.
Germany was to begin the match without a classic striker, with record-chasing World Cup scorer Miroslav Klose on the bench. Lukas Podolski was also on the bench.
The Germans used four central defenders as their back four, without a true fullback.
Germany’s attack featured three attacking midfielders in Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil and Mario Goetze, with Philipp Lahm in a defensive midfield role.
Lineups:
Germany: Manuel Neuer; Jerome Boateng, Per Mertesacker, Mats Hummels, Benedikt Hoewedes, Sami Khedira, Philipp Lahm, Toni Kroos, Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil, Mario Goetze.
Portugal: Rui Patricio; Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Miguel Veloso, Fabio Coentrao, Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho, Nani, Hugo Almeida, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.