2014 FIFA World Cup Preview: USA Vs. Germany
This World Cup has been one of the best for fans around the world. Every group has been close and has come down to the wire, and Group G is no exception. Team USA will take on Germany with a chance to win the group. This will be the third time America and Germany have faced each other in the World Cup. Germany leads the all-time series 1-0-1.
USA
America suffered a setback in its last game to Portugal, allowing a goal in the final minute for a 2-2 tie after going ahead in the game. Instead of getting three points, the U.S. had to settle for one. Despite the last-minute goal, the United States has to move on and worry about Germany. Coach Jürgen Klinsmann will be facing his old team, and the stakes are high. If the United States advances to the knockout round, it will be the first time the team has made the round of 16 in back-to-back World Cups.
The squad is No. 13 in the world, and Clint Dempsey is its leading goal scorer, with two goals. Unfortunately for the team, Jozy Altidore will not be able to go because of his hamstring injury. Tim Howard has been playing well, and so has the defense. There's no shame in tying to Portugal. The biggest issue going forward is the offense. Without Altidore, the offensive pressure falls on Dempsey.
Germany
This squad is No. 2 in the world, and with Spain eliminated, it's the top-ranked team still playing. Germany has won three World Cups and has played in seven finals total, making expectations sky-high every year. Germany has qualified past group stage play in every World Cup except 1950, when it was banned. It will be interesting to see what former player and now USA coach Klinsmann knows about the German team.
Germany's offense has been one of the best through two games. The team has scored six goals, and Thomas Müller leads scoring with three goals. Forward Miroslav Klose has now scored in four consecutive World Cups. Germany does not have a strong goalkeeper, but its midfield play is among the best in the world. Germany's strength is not allowing shots on goal. Germany's tie with Ghana came as a big surprise.
Prediction
Germany is the favored team and is being picked by many to win this year's World Cup. However, this could be a bad matchup: Team USA might expose Germany's poor goaltending if it can control the ball. America wins 2-1.
Schedule, Date, When to Watch
These teams play at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife at 12 p.m. EST Thursday on ESPN. Fans can watch the game online via the WatchESPN app.
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