USMNT World Cup Game 3: Germany

By Alex Ortiz on June 26, 2014
Tim Howard - ©NathanF on Flickr

Tim Howard – ©NathanF on Flickr

So it comes down to Germany.

I’m beginning to think Jurgen Klinsmann pulled a reverse psychology thing when he said that the US would definitely not win the World Cup this year. It will almost certainly still not happen but no soccer “expert” could have predicted the US would have even come this far.

Four points through two matches is about as good as anyone could have possibly imagined for the team. And the fact that those could have very nearly been six points is borderline ludicrous.

But when Cristiano Ronaldo delivered that cross that ended up tying up the match, US fans went into that weird almost did it but not quite stage. If we have learned anything about American sports, and more specifically American soccer as of late, things get interesting.

So it is most appropriate that is has all come down to a match against the cold-blooded giants of international soccer. To translate it best across sports, Germany is the San Antonio Spurs or the New England Patriots (as of late) of international soccer. They are a complete team who execute as good as anyone. Since Spain is no longer in the picture, Germany is quite possibly the best team in the tournament.

To add some personal history to this matchup, of course, Klinsmann was a star in Germany and helped capture the 1990 World Cup for West Germany. He also managed the German side for the 2006 World Cup.

So he knows what to expect. He knows full well that the names Klose, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Podolski and Müeller will pose the biggest threat for the Americans of the tournament so far. Heck Klinsmann has established a supply line of German-American players to fill in the roster, that is how much he knows that this is Germany’s thing. But Klinsmann still wants to win. 

Each match has been more and more challenging and a month ago analysts could not have looked at this match as more than an opportunity for the US to avoid being embarrassed. Now the stakes are actually high and if the US can pull off a simple tie, they advance.

Regardless of the result, this is arguably already one of the biggest matches in the program’s history. It could very well solidify the US’ place as a legitimate threat on the world stage. Trust me, you know people from Europe, Latin America and Africa are all watching because even if a 2-1 result comes in Germany’s favor, that is a statement result. It’s not often that even a loss could be considered a good result not because of the US’ chance to go all the way, but what message it sends to the world.

Also worth noting, in case you don’t want to go to work, Klinsmann has you covered with a note excusing you for the day.

The task is anything but easy. Germany can score any way they need to. Miroslav Klose, while up there in age, is tied with Ronaldo for the most goals ever in World Cup tournaments. The US has still not completely avoided fumbling away possessions and even goals like the opening score Portugal’s Nani was given on Sunday. Also, imagine if Michael Bradley can actually play like he usually does for his country. This might actually be a historic day if the US can play its best game of the tournament.

It’s amazing that Klinsmann’s prediction of the US needing to play its best game every matchday to advance has not actually come true. The US probably won’t win but a tie is certainly possible at this point. If the US loses, it is going to need some help. The scenarios can be complicated though and that will most likely be what keeps the country on its toes.

Either way, this should be good.

Prediction: Germany 2, US 1

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