RIO DE JANEIRO

Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to lead Portugal against Germany in one of the biggest games of the World Cup’s first week, saying his sore knee won’t be a problem.

The Real Madrid forward, arguably the most recognizable player in the sport, said he wouldn’t risk his career by going into such a tough match with a serious injury. The match at Salvador features two of the top teams in the world, with Germany ranked No. 2 and Portugal at No. 4.

In the other Group G match Monday, Jurgen Klinsmann’s U.S. team is aiming to reverse its record against Ghana, which has ended the Americans’ run at the last two World Cups. Nigeria and Iran meet in Group F.

DRAINING CONDITIONS:

A two-day downpour has flooded some streets and caused mudslides in Natal. The forecast is for more unsettled weather when the Americans open their campaign against Ghana, which knocked them out in the second round in 2010 and ended their run in the group stage in ’06.

The U.S. has never lost to a team three straight times at the World Cup and Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan, who scored the goal that clinched the win over the Americans four years ago, says “It’s going to be like they’re coming for revenge.”

The spotlight will be on the U.S. midfield, where Kyle Beckerman, Jermaine Jones and Michael Bradley will likely play key roles feeding Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore in the absence of World Cup veteran Landon Donovan, who was cut from the squad last month.