WC MOTD Preview: USA V Germany

By on June 26, 2014

Venue: Arena Pernambuco, Recife

KO Time: 17:00

The group that has interested most in these final group games is Group H, with all teams still battling to progress from what has been a competitive group. Prior to the tournament it looked like it would be the two European sides, Germany and Portugal, that would progress from the group but everybody has been hugely impressed by the other two teams in the group USA and Ghana, who have equipped themselves well for the challenges thus far and both can progress into the second round tonight if they win their respective matches.

The Americans have shown incredible team spirit in their two previous matches, winning their first match against Ghana when an emotional John Brooks scored a late header to gain all 3 points in Natal, they then went on to unluckily draw against a unimpressive Portugal side in the humid conditions of Manaus. Jurgen Klinsmann’s side fell behind early on in the match, when a deflection fell to the feet of Nani and it looked like Portugal would go on to win the match, but USA fought back and Jermaine Jones’ excellent goal spurred the team on and they finally took the lead on the 81st when an ever reliable Clint Dempsey put them ahead. The stars and stripes looked to be going through only for disaster to strike in the 95 minute when Porto winger Silvestre Varela scored a bullet header from a unfit Cristiano Ronaldo cross meaning both teams shared the points.

They don’t have the huge array of talent that their opponents Germany possess but the American side have players willing to give their all for their country and that goes far in a competition such as the World Cup. Right-back Fabian Johnson has impressed me in his first two games of the tournament; an attacking right back with an eye for goal makes for excellent viewing and club side Hoffenheim will find it hard to keep hold of their man if he keeps playing as he has been in Brazil. Clint Dempsey has 2 goals in 2 matches for the national side in the tournament and the whole of America will be hoping he continue this form in tonight’s match. Ghana showed the German defense can be broken and Dempsey will be hoping to exploit that tonight and steal a win from a German side who themselves still have not qualified.

Meanwhile, Germany started their campaign in fantastic style, rampaging to a 4-0 win against a hopeless Portugal side. Thomas Muller was their key man on that night firing an excellent hat trick and putting the Germans top of the group, the next game against Ghana did not go as well, however, as the they found themselves infront on the 51st minute only for the African side to quickly reply before going ahead with an excellent goal from Asamoah Gyan. Germany were only behind for 8 minutes, though, before evergreen striker Miroslav Klose netted his 15th collective World Cup goal equaling Ronaldo’s record, a fantastic achievement for the Lazio striker.

Die Adler will have to be at their very best to gain all 3 points from their opponents, who like themselves still haven’t qualified from the group. Joachim Low’s side where expected to qualify comfortably from Group G and they still may do, although they will not want to finish second in their group as they may then have to face a star studded Belgium side, who will have aspirations of going all the way with their golden generation, in the Second Round.

So who will come out on top in what will be an interesting game? A draw will see both sides through so will former teammates Klinsmann and Low play out a draw and see both of their national sides go through? I can’t see it.

Prediciton: USA 2-1 Germany

About Callum Kenwright

Evertonian. Angler. Oasis. Spanish Football. Aspiring Football Journalist.