USMNT Advance to the Round of 16

USMNT advance to round of 16. Photo credit â€" Erik Drost

The USA Men’s National Team lost to Germany by a score of 1-0 but still earned enough points in Group G to advance to the round of 16. It is the second consecutive World Cup that the United States advance beyond the group stage, they will play the winners of Group H in knock out stage of the tournament Tuesday.

There was some speculation as to whether or not Group G leaders Germany would take today’s match with the USA seriously, given their status on top of the Group. Germany had all but secured their status as Group G winners, but needed at least a draw with the US for them to remain the group winners.

Germany broke the game’s deadlock in the 55th minute after Thomas Muller scored on a rebounded ball that was struck well by the forward, just out of the reach of Tim Howard. It was Muller’s fourth goal of the tournament which ties him with Lionel Messi and Neymar for top goal scorer in this tournament.

Germany appeared committed to earning three points against the US, as they controlled the ball for most of the contest and created several scoring chances versus the United States. Jurgen Klinsmann’s side played well enough defensively to keep Germany from taking the goal differential advantage away that they owned over Portugal. On the offensive front, the USMNT created fewer opportunities against Germany than they did in their prior matches against Ghana and Portugal, while being held scoreless for the first time in this tournament.

The USA’s advancement in this tournament can be attributed to their strong play defensively as ESPN commentator and soccer expert Michael Ballack pointed out during the post game commentary. The United States were on their back foot for most of the contest but kept a held the undefeated German side to just one goal. After the contest Jurgen Klinsmann singled out goalie Tim Howard as “their leader” and “[their] big shot”.

The US had two great opportunities to equalize with Germany in stoppage time but the German defense was able to hold handing the United States its first loss of the tournament. The United States are now among the last 16 after surviving the Group of Death.