It want the result they were going for, but a 1-0 loss to Germany turned out to be enough for the United States. It wasn't an entirely pretty loss either. Germany controlled possession for the entire match, the USA never really had a chance to get a goal of their own. Manuel Neuer might as well have not been in the German goal since the Americans only sent four shots through, one of which were on target.
It was the defense that preserved the result. The inclusion of Omar Gonzalez over Jeff Cameron turned out to be a smart move since he led the team in clearances and saved the day many times in general. While many choose Jermaine Jones as their man of the match, I chose Gonzalez because, without him, Germany wins 3-0.
Tim Howard also had a great game in goal. Although he had no real chance at Thomas Mueller's winning goal, he made several great saves throughout the afternoon. Without his stellar play, Germany probably wins 3-0.
The real concern for the USA is their lack of attacking punch against elite opponents. What little possession they had in this one was easily squandered. Whether it was more Michael Bradley turnovers or simple German supremacy, the USA never seemed to have the ball for very long. They only managed two corners, neither of which were very threatening, and only ventured into the German penalty area a couple times.
Overall, Germany showed why they were the number two ranked team in the world before the tournament.
Thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, however, the United States have advanced to the knockout rounds. After a Ghana own goal 30 minutes in gave Portugal the lead, and the USA a spot in the next round, the African side managed to tie the score. This made many Americans uneasy once Germany scored against them. SHould Ghana have scored again, a 2-1 Ghana win coupled with a 1-0 USA loss would end the tournament for the Stars and Stripes.
Ronaldo made sure that wouldn't happen. Late in the game he found the back of the net to give Portugal a 2-1 win and saved the USA's skin a mere four days after severely injuring their hopes.
So the USA knew they were through, but they did not know who they would play. Enter Belgium and South Korea. A Belgian point would give them sole possession of the top spot in the group and a date the the USA on Tuesday afternoon. Jan Vertonghen made sure that was the case by getting a goal for the ten man Red Devils.
Germany will face Algeria, who reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history. This is thanks to a second half header off a free kick by Islam Slimani in the 60th minute that tied the score and gave Algeria the point they needed to advance.
With that, the group stage has come to a close and we can look forward to what should be an exciting knockout round. The round of 16 gets started tomorrow with Brazil and Chile at noon followed by Colombia and Uruguay at 4pm. The winners will face each other on the Fourth of July in the quarterfinals.
Here is the full round of 16 schedule:
Saturday, June 28
Brazil vs. Chile, noon- Can Chile take down another of the tournament favorites, or have the hosts gotten their act together?
Colombia vs. Uruguay, 4pm- Can Uruguay win without Luis Suarez? Is Colombia as good as their perfect group stage showed?
Sunday, June 29
Netherlands vs. Mexico, noon- The Dutch have been perfect so far, can they tame the shocking Mexicans?
Costa Rica vs. Greece, 4pm- One of these teams will really be in the quarter finals? Can Costa Rica keep the magic going or will Greece's defending be too strong?
Monday, June 30
France vs. Nigeria, noon- Will France keep it going strong or blow it in pure French style? How will Nigeria fare against their toughest opponent yet?
Germany vs. Algeria, 4pm- Can Germany prove they are the best team in the tournament? How will Algeria play in their first ever knockout round?
Tuesday, July 1
Argentina vs. Switzerland, noon- Will Messi show us more of why he's the best? Can Switzerland continue to bounce back from their major defeat against France?
USA. vs. Belgium, 4pm- The USA sort of backed into the round of 16, can they play a better game to beat Belgium? Belgium has also yet to put together a solid performance, are they due?
Relax on the day off and get ready for the real fun beginning tomorrow.
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