Day 15 - USA v Germany

Pre-Match Thoughts
I've chosen this over Ghana v Portugal as I've not seen the Shermans at work yet. They need a draw to guarantee qualifying behind the Germans. Bearing in mind the US are coached by the legendary Jurgen Klinsmann, who also previously coached Germany, the conspiracy theorist could suggest he and his counterpart could come to an arrangement of sorts.

I'd struggle to believe that. Both teams will want to win and the wet conditions will suit both. The Americans were expected to finish third or fourth in this group and even defeat will get them through, assuming Portugal win by a small enough margin. A Ghana victory and a US defeat may doom our fellows across the pond to the first plane home, though.

I'll say 1-0 to Germany, with a Portugal 2-1 win enough for the US of A.

First Half
The wet pitch is making for a fast packed affair, both teams looking to attack, though it's Tim Howard in the American goal who has been more busy, though not really tested. Portugal are winning 1-0, which keeps the table as it is.

Second Half
Yes, check the horizon for the Four Horsemen, not only did I get one prediction, I got BOTH. Feel free to go have a lie down on that news.

America didn't really come out for the second half until the last seconds, by which time Thomas Muller had shown his class with a superbly placed finish. Chances are, USA will play Belgium in the next round.

Portugal getting knocked out was a surprise, with Ronaldo scoring a "too little, too late" winner today but their 4-0 hammering from the Germans proving the decisive result in the group. This was perhaps his last chance at putting his mark on a World Cup, to put him up there with the likes of Pele, Maradona and (the other) Ronaldo as greats who drove their countries to glory. But cheer up, Cris - part of Manchester always loves you.

Good News
United sign a midfield player. Yay!