(Image source from: German defense in hot soup})

Two of FIFA World Cup 2014's greatest contenders — Portugal and Germany — are all set to clash against each other in their debut match tonight.

Expectations are running high among the supporters of both the teams who are betting big on their teams to put up an exciting game.

However, things look a little bleak for the German side as of now, whose key defense been knocked down by injuries. Of the four central defenders who will open the game for Germany tonight, two of them are out of position and the other two have never played together. But coach Joachim Loew is hardly panicking.

Captain and right back Philipp Lahm  might be moved into the midfield, with Jerome Boateng taking his place in Monday's Group G match. Benedikt Hoewedes might take up the left back position, while Mats Hummels and Per Mertesacker play as key defenders.

Loew clarified that fullbacks would not play as big a role at the World Cup as in qualifying, when teams usually play very defensively against Germany. But we believe Loew is hiding his cards.

With Lahm as right back, his two central defenders could be Mertesacker and Boateng, who have played together more often than Mertesacker and Hummels. Mertesacker and Hummels have looked uncomfortable on occasions.

Boateng sees himself as a central defender and feels more comfortable in that position than on the flank. Hoewedes is not a natural left back either. That position has been a source of worry for Loew for a long time.

AW: Suchorita Choudhury