Coentrão's injury rules him out of the World Cup group stages

Portugal’s chances of qualifying from Group G have been dealt a severe blow as key players Coentrao and Almeida could be out for at least 10 days.

"Fábio Coentrão and Hugo Almeida will be out of action for a minimum of 10 days" said doctor Henrique Jones. Doubts still remain about the nature of the injury - which may be related to either the hamstring or the groin.

"I’m sure it’s a serious injury, although I hope I’m wrong. Sadly, these things happen in this job," Coentrão said. "I honestly think the World Cup is over for me."

When was asked about the game, he replied "It’s a sad day, one of the saddest of my life but it’s only the first game and despite the result, we could still get through to the next round."

The prognosis ruled out the participation of Coentrão and Almedia for the group stages of the world cup. The Portugal defence looks weak for the clash against USA with the missing Centre-Back Pepe because of his red card and the injured Left-Back Coentrão.

Forward Hugo Almeida hobbled out of the ground due to a muscle injury after a mere 27-minutes into the game.

“We have to come up with the best solutions to any absences now,” said Portugal manager Paul Bento. We have to fight for our objectives and goals. We'll be under a lot of pressure, regardless of the result of Ghana verses the USA. We're not happy, starting a tournament with a result like this makes it complicated.”

Almeida grimaces after getting injured early in the Germany-Portugal game.