Things are set up well for the United States to advance to the knockout rounds today. Yesterday's draw between Germany and Ghana means that a USA win over Portugal will send them through. And such an occurrence is not as far off a possibility as originally thought. A weakened Portugal team due to a red card to Pepe, an injury to Fabio Contrao, and an uncertain Cristiano Ronaldo means the USA is not as outmatched by the European giants.
Before we delve deeper into that one, let's look into the Germany-Ghana draw. The Germans appeared on the front foot for the majority of the first half, but were unable to capitalize. Ghana played well defensively and we're rewarded for their trouble by keeping the favorites off the scoreboard.
It wasn't until the second half that the goals came in droves. Mario Gotze got things started in the 51st when the Germans finally had their breakthrough. A wonderful through ball found Gotze clear in front of the bet and he easily slotted home the first goal of the match. Just three minutes later Andre Ayew equalized for Ghana. In the 63rd, the Africans were actually ahead when Asamoah Gyan scored. Things were looking good for Ghana, and bleak for the USA, for all of eight minutes. In the 71st minute, Germany's Miroslav Klose put one in the ol' onion bag to tie the score at 2. It would end that way.
The result put Germany in front of Group G with four points, the USA in second with three, followed by Ghana with one, and pointless Portugal at the bottom. With a win today, the USA will hold the top spot in the group and a guaranteed place in the round of 16 for the third time in the last four World Cups.
Elsewhere, Lionel Messi once again proved he is the best player in the known universe by scoring a 91st minute winner for Argentina over Iran. Messi was given space over the top right corner of the box and fired a screamer passed the keeper into the top left corner. It was a shot only Messi could make, and one that was needed to prevent another massive upset level result. Argentina took the game 1-0, but it was far tougher than it should have been.
In the final match of the day, Nigeria took the step toward qualifying for the knockout rounds by taking care of slightly favored Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0.
Now, to the USA and their chances this evening against Portugal. As previously mentioned, the Portuguese are weakened due to injury and suspension. Even so, a not quite fit Ronaldo will still be difficult for DeMarcus Beasley to handle. On the other side of him will be the fully armed and operational Nani, who will also stretch the American defense.
The USA must know that they won't win by playing a passive, defensive game. They will have to take advantage of Portugal's missing defenders and attack. Clint Dempsey will play a key role here with Jozy Altidore gone with a hamstring strain. Chris Wondolowski figures to start in his place.
The other, probably over hyped, aspect of this one is the weather conditions in Manaus. The temperature is predicted to be in the low eighties with humidity just as high. This is actually not much different than the conditions faced in Natal on Monday night. If the USA could handle that, they can handle the rainforest humidity as well.
Things look good for the USA today, but I still have a hard time picking them to win. I expect a 1-1 draw against Portugal. That result would put them in a favorable spot to advance. Kickoff is at 6, and it can't come soon enough.
Other action today features Belgium and Russia at noon. A win sees the Belgians through to the knockout rounds after having missed the last two tournaments. I expect them too handle the Russians 2-1. In between that and the USA-Portugal clash, South Korea plays Algeria. Algeria played well with Belgium before the Red Devils brought their subs on to put them in front while Korea only scored because of a massive Russian goalkeeping error. It's not inconceivable for the north African side to get a point here, so I am calling for a 1-1 draw.
Today is the day we've been waiting for, enjoy the warm ups to the big one, and I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.
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