The United States of America and Germany are currently tied on four points at the top of Group G and both teams face off in a battle of supremacy in Recife on Thursday. If they play out a draw, both teams will advance at the expense of Portugal and Ghana playing simultaneously in the group’s other match, with the Germans topping the table courtesy of a better goal difference. If the other group game ends in a draw, both the United States and Germany will advance regardless of their result.
Special Offer: $700 United States vs Germany FREE BET
The United States Men’s National Team was 60 seconds away from qualification for the Round of 16 in their last match only for Cristiano Ronaldo to intervene. The World Footballer of the Year planted a brilliant cross on the head of FC Porto striker Silvestre Varela for the equalizing goal, as Portugal snatched a 2-2 draw that delayed the cementing of positions till now. In charge of the Americans is former Germany player and coach Jurgen Klinsmann but acquaintances aside, Klinsmann will believe his charges can overcome the former World Champions after seeing Ghana hold them to a 2-2 draw.
The Germans, however, are the most likely to win this group after their 4-0 victory over Portugal in their opening match. Qualification for the Germans was delayed by Ghana as the Europeans had to come back from a goal down to seal a 2-2 draw last time out. The most important aspect of this game is likely to be the defensive play of Mats Hummels and Per Mertesacker and how they defend against a feisty Clint Dempsey. The United States attacker who refused to wear a mask despite breaking a bone in his face is a handful against any defense and will look to trouble the Germans at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife. If the Germans can limit the chances of the United States effectively, they will be able to play their high tempo, passing game with Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller ready to shoot them into the next round.
Special Offer: Deposit $50 and get a $150 United States vs Germany FREE BET
TEAM NEWS
The United States are still without Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore so Clint Dempsey is expected to continue as a lone striker. Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley was ineffective against Portugal- he even managed to miss a point-blank with the keeper absent, hitting his shot at Portugal’s last defender Ricardo Costa- and Klinsmann must decide whether to stick with the attacking midfielder.
Germany coach Joachim Leow has no fresh injury or suspension worries and is expected to continue with his fluid 4-3-3 system that does not employ a traditional striker with Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze and Mesut Ozil interchanging positions up top.
Possible Lineups
United States (4-2-3-1): Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Beckerman, Jones; Bedoya, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey
Germany (4-3-3): Neuer; Lahm, Hummels, Mertesacker, Boateng; Shcweinsteiger, Khedira, Kroos; Gotze, Ozil, Muller
PREDICTION
The fact that both teams only need a draw to advance will probably tell on the quality of the game as none of them will feel the need for a gung-ho approach.
Germany 1 – 1 United States at $6.00 with Bet365 – Join Now for a $200 FREE BET – Limited Offer
