Category: World Cup

USA v Germany

Both USA and Germany should have made it to the Round of 16 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup by now. Both had won their first games comfortably and had a comparatively weaker opponent to face in the second game, but, neither could bring out its best performance and win.

USA played a draw against Portugal, while, Germany did the same against Ghana. Now, the scenario is that both of them are in need of one point to advance to the knockouts.

They would be facing each other at Arena Pernambuco on Thursday and if it’s a draw, both would be through, while, the other two teams in Group G (Ghana and Portugal) would be out. But, if one wins and the other loses, it would bring Ghana and Portugal in picture.

Ghana and Portugal have one point each in two games, while, Germany and USA have four each in as many games.

In case of a draw in Thursday’s match, Germany and USA would have 5 points each and it would be impossible for Ghana and Portugal to reach there. But, in case of a clear result, one out of Germany and USA would get stuck on 4 points and then, Ghana and Portugal would have the chance to get levelled with that team.

In normal circumstances, people would think that if both the teams need a draw, they would try to play safe and thus, a goalless draw is a possibility. But, the game between USA and Germany is going to be a bit different. The Germans are actually furious after having got only one point from that Ghana match. They are eager to get back to winning ways. So, in all likelihood, they would try to be aggressive and hand USA a humiliating defeat.

The statements made by Per Mertesacker yesterday was enough to suggest how the Germans are feeling.

Mertesacker said, “We would go out there (against USA) and try to show what we are capable of. I think it’s sort of a do-or-die match for both of us.”

So, a goalless draw is not looking like happening on Thursday. Whatever happens, it would be thrilling to watch, that’s for sure.

Bayern Munich have received praise from Germany’s national team manager Joachim Loew after they managed to seal the Bundesliga title with a record seven matches remaining in the campaign. Bayern Munich have been the dominant team in Bundesliga for the last two years, but they have achieved a new level of consistency after the arrival of Pep Guardiola. The former Barcelona manager has guided the team to their second consecutive league title with seven matches remaining. They have managed to beat the previous record – set by Bayern Munich themselves last season – of sealing the title with six matches to go.

Loew, who is under pressure to at least finals of the World Cup 2014, has said that this is great news for the German national team, which takes most of its players from Bayern Munich. He says that this title should give them a lot of confidence to dominate German football for the next few years. After winning the treble – including the Champions League – last season, Bayern Munich will be looking to do the unprecedented by retaining it. The club has already won two titles this campaign with the Bundesliga title being the third.

There are still two more trophies to play for before the end of the campaign. Bayern sealed the title after a 3-1 win over Hertha Berlin.

“To win the title at such an early stage is an unbelievable achievement by Bayern. Congratulations to Bayern, and above all to coach Pep Guardiola. He has improved the team even further, and you can see his mark on their dominance and ball possession. I’m naturally happy for our national team players at Bayern – the title should give them a further boost,” said Loew. Key players for the German team like Toni Kroos and Philipp Lahm have shined throughout this campaign.