Tonight will see a top of the group clash between USA and Germany for the top spot in Group G, of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. A win for either side would send them through to the knockout rounds. However, a draw would be mutually beneficial as both teams would then qualify, though in that scenario the team that comes in second would face Belgium, who could prove to be a tough opposition.
An interesting fact about this match is that both teams are led by German managers Jurgen Klinsmann for the USA and Joachim Low for Germany. On paper, Germany looks the favorites but the Americans have put some strong performances against Ghana and Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal. Germany’s last match against Ghana ended with an exciting 2-2 draw and saw veteran striker Miroslav Klose reach a landmark record of most goals scored in the World Cup, leveling him with Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
Klose can almost certainly score one more, to set a new world record and hopefully put the Germans in pole position. Germany’s last appearance in a final of a World Cup was in 2002 where perhaps ironically they lost to current hosts Brazil. That was also Klose’s first career World Cup.
Some of the top players in Klinsmann’s eleven include former Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur forward Clint Dempsey, Besiktas midfielder Jermaine Jones and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard. Dempsey has scored two goals already and will be looking to add to his tally. His Premier League experience has seemed to help him keep his country in the World Cup.
Another interesting fact is that the outspoken Klinsmann has coached some of the German side before including Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski, Per Mertesacker and Miroslav Klose, back in the 2006 World Cup hosted by Germany. He relinquished his position to his then-assistant Joachim Low. Both opposing managers are expected to have mixed feelings going into this encounter which in many ways looks to be Germany vs. Germany.
Talented Germany and Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller is set to add to his scoreboard having scored a wonderful hat-trick against Ghana. His club teammate Mario Gotze is another midfielder the Americans are going to have to look out for…