GROUP G: Lahm warns against slip-up in opener

Klaus Bergmann, dpa

"If we do not win this game, then we could face some pressure," Lahm told a press conference in Santo Andre.

The Bayern Munich star said their opponents featuring world footballer of the year Cristiano Ronaldo were "physically very strong and dangerous".

Germany open their 2014 World Cup on Monday against the Portuguese in Group G.

Lahm said he had spoken with German team coach Joachim Loew about which position he would play in during the World Cup.

"But it's not my responsibility to make that public," Lahm added.

Lahm has mostly played on the outside of the defence for Germany - both right and left - and Bayern. But recently he has been used more and more often in the defensive midfield.

Loew has admitted he is still undecided how his team will line up.

"Of course there are plans, of course I know somewhat who will play," Loew said.

"The question is which players will take a step forward until the Portugal match - technically, tactically and physically."

If Lahm leaves the backline in favour of the midfield, Jerome Boateng is a likely candidate as right back to slow down Ronaldo - his task at Euro 2012 as well.

Two further questions are still left unresolved.

Will Loew line up a true central striker - in Germany's case, Miroslav Klose - or go with the "False Nine" concept?

And who would play in defensive midfield with Lahm and Toni Kroos? The two options would be Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger. But, once again, Loew did not want to tip his hand.

"Neither of them are top fit. We will continue to work intensively with them in the coming days," Loew said.

"Especially for players like Sami Khedira, who was out a long time, we need to see how the tournament goes, how much stress he can handle."

The coach added: "There is no patent to win the title."

Lahm said the team was doing a good job getting ready for the Portuguese.

"I have a very good feeling that the team has taken another step forward," the captain said.