If there was ever a day to skip work, Thursday is that day. USA and Germany are set to face off in what is guaranteed to be a thrilling game with plenty on the line. The United States simply must hope Germany does not win. A draw is fine. A scoreless draw is fine as well. USA just cannot lose. If they defeat Germany, the win Group G, an unlikely outcome when the groupings were first announced. A draw means both teams advance. A loss makes things too complicated to explain.
The United States will be without their best player, Jozy Altidore. He has been declared out for this match after injuring his hamstring in the game against Portugal. Clint Dempsey is expected to be active despite breaking his nose. He will be the team's lone striker on the field. The United States' defense will be challenged in this game. Germany is threatening in the front as their front three remain extremely fluid. The USA backline will be challenge and likely the x-factor in this game. The US hope to take advantage with overlapping fullbacks and will aim to isolate Germany for most of the match. The US did an excellent job of controlling the match against Portugal for the first half. If they can absorb pressure and control possession, they stand a chance at getting the win.
Germany is feeling confident about their chances to move on. While the team is denying they are simply aiming for a draw, the pressure is not there to win. The team is dealing with injuries that could be a major factor in the match. Jerome Boateng and Sami Khedira are both dealing with thigh and knee injuries that could either limit them or make them unavailable against the US. Both have been in team practice as Germany continues to monitor their fitness. Germany is one of the more innovative teams in the World Cup with creative attacking methods that will keep the US on their heels all day. They have the ability to create big chance plays at a moment's notice, so the United States' defense will have to respond.
No one expected the United States to be in this position. No one expected the team to beat Ghana or even get a draw against Portugal. Now there is hope. Germany is an easy favorite to win the entire tournament so this will not be a walk in the park for the US National Team, but the roster believes and with a win or a draw, they move on to the knockout stages.