World Cup: Germany Defeats USA, But The Yanks Go Marching On!

June 26, 2014; Recife, BRAZIL; United States midfielder Graham Zusi (19) controls the ball against Germany defender Benedikt Howedes (4) during the first half of the match during the 2014 World Cup at Arena Pernambuco. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports

The United States Men’s National Team knew coming into their Group G match against Germany would be a tough task, but they had the added comfort of knowing that a draw would suffice to see both teams through. Even a loss would not be a death sentence, that the results in the concurrently played Ghana-Portugal match would impact the group as well.

Even still, at this World Cup the USA has done nothing if not go for the win in each match.

Two changes were made to their starting lineup by manager Jurgen Klinnsman, he replaced Geoff Cameron with Omar Gonzalez in central defense and Alejandro Bedoya with Brad Davis in midfield. The rest of the team remained the same.

Germany started the match in fine form, controlling the ball for the majority of the first 20 minutes, with the USA absorbing pressure and focusing on defending against the German machine. In his first World Cup match, Omar Gonzales looked good early on, he made one mistake early but then recovered with 2 excellent clearances to save sure-fire goal scoring opportunities. When the US could get the ball, we countered well and made some noise, but the Germans also absorbed pressure well and would shortly reclaim the ball.

Tim Howard was outstanding in that first half, making a few key saves to keep the match level and prevent the German floodgates from opening as they did against Portugal, and the USA worked to maintain the ball, however the conditions on the pitch seemed to prevent either team from doing exactly what they wanted. Torrential rain had made the pitch surface soaking wet, and the ball moved considerably slowly than the players seemed to anticipate at first. It stayed scoreless at the half.

Germany made one change to start the second half, with Miroslav Klose coming on for Lukas Podolski with Klose looking to score the goal to put Germany ahead and him alone on top of the all time World Cup scoring charts. There were no changes for the United States

Early on in the 2nd Gonzales was put the test again and came up on top, clearing a dangerous cross away from the danger area. Germany started fast and dangerous again, and the USA was just hoping to hold on while they regained their footing.

In the 55th minute, the Germans finally broke through. a corner in was cleared on the first attempt, however the rebound came out to Thomas Muller who fired it past Tim Howard’s outstretched fingers. A brilliant goal, and it was 1-0 to Germany. Germany looked in total control through the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half.

Germany controlled the 2nd half, and nearly doubled their lead multiple times, only to have attempts cleared out at the last minute by various US defenders and the goalkeeper, Tim Howard. Offensive the US seemed to be lacking, either through the efficiency of the Germany team at reclaiming the ball or due to the reported hangover associated with playing in the Amazon rainforest capital of Manaus against Portugal.

2 very dangerous chances in stoppage time nearly saw the United States earn the draw and prevent a loss in the group stage, but when the full time whistle went it did not matter! Portugal had defeated Ghana 2-1, meaning the United States advanced as the 2nd place group by beating Portugal on goal differential!

The Americans have advance in their 2nd consecutive World Cup for the first time in their history. After 9,000 miles of travelling in the group stages alone the US Men’s National Team punched their ticket for the knockout round.

The USA marches on!

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