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| Version 6 | Version 7 |
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| Germany 1-2 USA: international friendly – as it happened | Germany 1-2 USA: international friendly – as it happened |
| (7 months later) | |
| 9.49pm BST | |
| 21:49 | |
| Well, there we go. That was really enjoyable – and a well deserved win for USA. They’ll win the Gold Cup easy, and good luck to them: what an impressive bunch of well-drilled, hungry young players. Klinsmann’s really happy. | Well, there we go. That was really enjoyable – and a well deserved win for USA. They’ll win the Gold Cup easy, and good luck to them: what an impressive bunch of well-drilled, hungry young players. Klinsmann’s really happy. |
| Thanks for all your emails, and for reading. You rock. Bye! | Thanks for all your emails, and for reading. You rock. Bye! |
| 9.46pm BST | |
| 21:46 | |
| Stuart Holden, the former Bolton midfielder: “It’s extremely encouraging for US fans.” Friedrich says: “It was definitely a deserved win.” | Stuart Holden, the former Bolton midfielder: “It’s extremely encouraging for US fans.” Friedrich says: “It was definitely a deserved win.” |
| 9.45pm BST | |
| 21:45 | |
| Arne Friedrich, in the studio, thinks Germany should have done more at 1-0. He’s right: Götze missed a golden chance for 2-0, and then Diskerud had the freedom of the pitch to level things up. | Arne Friedrich, in the studio, thinks Germany should have done more at 1-0. He’s right: Götze missed a golden chance for 2-0, and then Diskerud had the freedom of the pitch to level things up. |
| Just looking at that goal again for Bobby Wood: that’s a really exceptional goal. He had so much to do, from about 23-24 yards out, and the shot was clinical, right in the corner. Germany had 64% possession, but USA outshot them 13-12. | Just looking at that goal again for Bobby Wood: that’s a really exceptional goal. He had so much to do, from about 23-24 yards out, and the shot was clinical, right in the corner. Germany had 64% possession, but USA outshot them 13-12. |
| 9.41pm BST | |
| 21:41 | |
| Sean Joyner articulates his feelings correctly: | Sean Joyner articulates his feelings correctly: |
| @timmyhilleh USA USA USA #USAUSAUSA #USMNT | @timmyhilleh USA USA USA #USAUSAUSA #USMNT |
| 9.41pm BST | |
| 21:41 | |
| That was such a strange match. Germany were amazing for about 40 minutes, firmly on top, and then they conceded a soft goal, and suddenly it’s 1-1, and then they just couldn’t get going in the second half. Khedira did well when he came on, and was unlucky at the end, but they missed Schweinsteiger: he really conducted the orchestra in the first half. | That was such a strange match. Germany were amazing for about 40 minutes, firmly on top, and then they conceded a soft goal, and suddenly it’s 1-1, and then they just couldn’t get going in the second half. Khedira did well when he came on, and was unlucky at the end, but they missed Schweinsteiger: he really conducted the orchestra in the first half. |
| But USA are just a remarkable outfit: they just don’t know when they’re beaten. And they never seem to feel sorry for themselves. Yedlin, Zardes, Bradley and Morris played really well in the second half – and the goal from Wood was really special. What a win! | But USA are just a remarkable outfit: they just don’t know when they’re beaten. And they never seem to feel sorry for themselves. Yedlin, Zardes, Bradley and Morris played really well in the second half – and the goal from Wood was really special. What a win! |
| 9.39pm BST | |
| 21:39 | |
| Well, what an amazing scoreline. First Holland, now Germany: and the USA come away with a pair of wins in Europe. Jürgen Klinsmann looks cock-a-hoop. | Well, what an amazing scoreline. First Holland, now Germany: and the USA come away with a pair of wins in Europe. Jürgen Klinsmann looks cock-a-hoop. |
| 9.37pm BST | |
| 21:37 | |
| Full-time: Germany 1-2 USA | Full-time: Germany 1-2 USA |
| They’ve done it again! | They’ve done it again! |
| 9.37pm BST | |
| 21:37 | |
| 90 min + 4: Oh my! Khedira hits the bar! Ozil fed Bellarabi, whose first-time cushioned cross was headed goalwards by Khedira … but it came back off the woodwork! Guzan was nowhere near that. A bit of luck right at the end! | 90 min + 4: Oh my! Khedira hits the bar! Ozil fed Bellarabi, whose first-time cushioned cross was headed goalwards by Khedira … but it came back off the woodwork! Guzan was nowhere near that. A bit of luck right at the end! |
| 9.35pm BST | |
| 21:35 | |
| 90 min + 3: A minute left. Surely USA won’t let it slip now. | 90 min + 3: A minute left. Surely USA won’t let it slip now. |
| 9.35pm BST | |
| 21:35 | |
| 90 min + 2: Bellarabi again. Corner Germany! It’s cleared, and then Ozil’s subsequent cross is claimed by Guzan! | 90 min + 2: Bellarabi again. Corner Germany! It’s cleared, and then Ozil’s subsequent cross is claimed by Guzan! |
| 9.34pm BST | |
| 21:34 | |
| 90 min + 1: Bellarabi has a go down the right. USA defending tenaciously: 11 men behind the ball. No opening yet. Four minutes of stoppage time. | 90 min + 1: Bellarabi has a go down the right. USA defending tenaciously: 11 men behind the ball. No opening yet. Four minutes of stoppage time. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.35pm BST | |
| 9.32pm BST | |
| 21:32 | |
| 90 min: Germany look stunned. They played so well in the first half but they’ve been sloppy in the second. They just can’t get going. | 90 min: Germany look stunned. They played so well in the first half but they’ve been sloppy in the second. They just can’t get going. |
| 9.31pm BST | |
| 21:31 | |
| 89 min: USA are quite something, aren’t they? They just keep going! Hector tries to find Kramer for a cross from the left, but Evans is fouled and USA can take a breather. | 89 min: USA are quite something, aren’t they? They just keep going! Hector tries to find Kramer for a cross from the left, but Evans is fouled and USA can take a breather. |
| 9.30pm BST | |
| 21:30 | |
| 88 min: This is incredible! Evans fizzed a pass into wood on the edge of the box. Mustafi wasn’t tight enough, and Wood turned, and fired a brilliant left-foot shot, low, past Zieler. What a finish – and USA are ahead! | 88 min: This is incredible! Evans fizzed a pass into wood on the edge of the box. Mustafi wasn’t tight enough, and Wood turned, and fired a brilliant left-foot shot, low, past Zieler. What a finish – and USA are ahead! |
| 9.29pm BST | |
| 21:29 | |
| GOAL! Germany 1-2 USA (Wood 88) | GOAL! Germany 1-2 USA (Wood 88) |
| Oh my word!! Bobby Wood! | Oh my word!! Bobby Wood! |
| 9.29pm BST | |
| 21:29 | |
| 87 min: USA have the ball. Germany look almost content with the draw. The visitors look assured in possession, but here comes Khedira again … and that’s an exceptional tackle from Brooks! Great centre-half play | 87 min: USA have the ball. Germany look almost content with the draw. The visitors look assured in possession, but here comes Khedira again … and that’s an exceptional tackle from Brooks! Great centre-half play |
| 9.28pm BST | |
| 21:28 | |
| 86 min: Almost a great combination between Ozil and Podolski, but that’s an excellent tackle from Brad Evans. Had Evans not stepped in, Podolski was clear. | 86 min: Almost a great combination between Ozil and Podolski, but that’s an excellent tackle from Brad Evans. Had Evans not stepped in, Podolski was clear. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.28pm BST | |
| 9.26pm BST | |
| 21:26 | |
| 83 min: Yedlin tries again, but that’s plucked out of the air by Zieler. Germany rocking! Yedlin really left Hector for dead, then. | 83 min: Yedlin tries again, but that’s plucked out of the air by Zieler. Germany rocking! Yedlin really left Hector for dead, then. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.27pm BST | |
| 9.25pm BST | |
| 21:25 | |
| 81 min: Klinsmann has been so positive with his substitutions: USA have been so much better in this second 45. Now Bradley accelerates, and finds Yedlin on the right-hand side of the box on the break! Yedlin’s cut-back for Bradley is precise, but Bradley’s left-foot blast is straight at Zieler! Excellent block from the keeper, but a chance for USA! | 81 min: Klinsmann has been so positive with his substitutions: USA have been so much better in this second 45. Now Bradley accelerates, and finds Yedlin on the right-hand side of the box on the break! Yedlin’s cut-back for Bradley is precise, but Bradley’s left-foot blast is straight at Zieler! Excellent block from the keeper, but a chance for USA! |
| 9.24pm BST | |
| 21:24 | |
| 80 min: Corner to USA, and that’s a difficult one for Zieler! He had to paw that away from right underneath his crossbar. Wicked inswinger from Bradley. | 80 min: Corner to USA, and that’s a difficult one for Zieler! He had to paw that away from right underneath his crossbar. Wicked inswinger from Bradley. |
| 9.23pm BST | |
| 21:23 | |
| 79 min: US Soccer is right: it is all tied up in Cologne. Is that what you’d say to the bank manager if you’d invested all your money in aftershave? | 79 min: US Soccer is right: it is all tied up in Cologne. Is that what you’d say to the bank manager if you’d invested all your money in aftershave? |
| Bradley & the #USMNT battling it out against the World Cup champs. All tied up in Cologne! #USAvGER, 1-1, 79' pic.twitter.com/Cv0942bro5 | Bradley & the #USMNT battling it out against the World Cup champs. All tied up in Cologne! #USAvGER, 1-1, 79' pic.twitter.com/Cv0942bro5 |
| 9.21pm BST | |
| 21:21 | |
| 79 min: Excellent play from Rudiger, stepping out of the back, exchanging passes with Ozil, and firing just over. I think Guzan had it covered. | 79 min: Excellent play from Rudiger, stepping out of the back, exchanging passes with Ozil, and firing just over. I think Guzan had it covered. |
| 9.20pm BST | |
| 21:20 | |
| 78 min: Now Mustafi is down. He thought he was caught late by Morales (?) Some slightly naughty tackles going in, but he’ll live. | 78 min: Now Mustafi is down. He thought he was caught late by Morales (?) Some slightly naughty tackles going in, but he’ll live. |
| 9.18pm BST | |
| 21:18 | |
| 75 min: Slack pass from Herrmann there, and the crowd groans. It’s just not working out for Germany. Now Ozil is pissed – he didn’t think he fouled Morales. Free kick USA. | 75 min: Slack pass from Herrmann there, and the crowd groans. It’s just not working out for Germany. Now Ozil is pissed – he didn’t think he fouled Morales. Free kick USA. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.20pm BST | |
| 9.17pm BST | |
| 21:17 | |
| 74 min: Some changes: Bellarabi on for Götze, and Wood and Morris on for Diskerud and Zardes. And that’s Morris from range!! Wheeesh, that just whistled wide from the edge of the box. So close! | 74 min: Some changes: Bellarabi on for Götze, and Wood and Morris on for Diskerud and Zardes. And that’s Morris from range!! Wheeesh, that just whistled wide from the edge of the box. So close! |
| 9.14pm BST | |
| 21:14 | |
| 72 min: … and Brooks heads clear again. | 72 min: … and Brooks heads clear again. |
| Hector, Ozil and Podolski, three left-footers, make some perceptive triangles down the left, but Germany just can’t find this final ball. Now Götze has a go, but Alvarado shepherds it out under pressure from Kramer. | Hector, Ozil and Podolski, three left-footers, make some perceptive triangles down the left, but Germany just can’t find this final ball. Now Götze has a go, but Alvarado shepherds it out under pressure from Kramer. |
| 9.13pm BST | |
| 21:13 | |
| 71 min: Ozil’s been quieter in this second half, but that’s more like it, and he tries to get Podolski in down the left. Well policed by Yedlin, though, and USA clear. That’s a really ugly tackle from Yedlin, though, scything through Ozil, and a clear yellow card. Rightly booked, and Yedlin accepts it with no fuss. Götze with the free-kick … | 71 min: Ozil’s been quieter in this second half, but that’s more like it, and he tries to get Podolski in down the left. Well policed by Yedlin, though, and USA clear. That’s a really ugly tackle from Yedlin, though, scything through Ozil, and a clear yellow card. Rightly booked, and Yedlin accepts it with no fuss. Götze with the free-kick … |
| 9.11pm BST | |
| 21:11 | |
| 68 min: For a moment, Germany looked like they were in: Götze was offside, but the linesman kept his flag down until he touched the ball. Everybody stopped, but it was the correct call. | 68 min: For a moment, Germany looked like they were in: Götze was offside, but the linesman kept his flag down until he touched the ball. Everybody stopped, but it was the correct call. |
| JR in Illinois is an accent Nazi! | JR in Illinois is an accent Nazi! |
| Surely I can’t be the only one who finds Brad Friedel’s accent extremely unpleasant? It’s a horrifying mashup of ‘Murican and England midlands. Makes me cringe every time I hear it. | Surely I can’t be the only one who finds Brad Friedel’s accent extremely unpleasant? It’s a horrifying mashup of ‘Murican and England midlands. Makes me cringe every time I hear it. |
| 9.09pm BST | |
| 21:09 | |
| 67 min: What a chance for Khedira! He may not have Schweini’s artfulness, but what energy: he started the move, fed Herrmann, and Khedira continued his run – he just couldn’t find an extra inch to direct the header on goal. It glanced off his forehead. But really decisive, purposeful play. | 67 min: What a chance for Khedira! He may not have Schweini’s artfulness, but what energy: he started the move, fed Herrmann, and Khedira continued his run – he just couldn’t find an extra inch to direct the header on goal. It glanced off his forehead. But really decisive, purposeful play. |
| 9.08pm BST | |
| 21:08 | |
| 65 min: This is so much better from USA. Yedlin tries to take on Kramer and pummel his way into the box, but the Mönchengladbach player does well, and is fouled. | 65 min: This is so much better from USA. Yedlin tries to take on Kramer and pummel his way into the box, but the Mönchengladbach player does well, and is fouled. |
| 9.07pm BST | |
| 21:07 | |
| 64 min: Here’s Kyle Boyd: | 64 min: Here’s Kyle Boyd: |
| Like Renee, I’m in Seattle. Not at work though - in the waiting room for our 2nd ultrasound for my pregnant wife no less! (I’ll put the phone away when we get called in!) | Like Renee, I’m in Seattle. Not at work though - in the waiting room for our 2nd ultrasound for my pregnant wife no less! (I’ll put the phone away when we get called in!) |
| How is our Seattleite Yedlin doing? I have barely heard him mentioned! | How is our Seattleite Yedlin doing? I have barely heard him mentioned! |
| Yeah, well! He’s really pushed up up since half-time, and has put in two dangerous balls already. He’s so pacy and quick. | Yeah, well! He’s really pushed up up since half-time, and has put in two dangerous balls already. He’s so pacy and quick. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.07pm BST | |
| 9.05pm BST | |
| 21:05 | |
| 62 min: USA with the lion’s share of the ball this half – 62%. Berti Vogts in the stand, there. Remember him bollocking Christian Dailly after Dailly called Germany “fucking cheats” or something? Heady days! | 62 min: USA with the lion’s share of the ball this half – 62%. Berti Vogts in the stand, there. Remember him bollocking Christian Dailly after Dailly called Germany “fucking cheats” or something? Heady days! |
| 9.03pm BST | |
| 21:03 | |
| 61 min: Christoph Kramer in for Ilkay Gundogan. The Dortmund man took a very heavy knock from Danny Williams in the first half, and he’s moving a little gingerly. Disappointingly, Kramer is pronounced “Kr-arm-er”, apparently, so those Seinfeld jokes aren’t going to work quite so well. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! | 61 min: Christoph Kramer in for Ilkay Gundogan. The Dortmund man took a very heavy knock from Danny Williams in the first half, and he’s moving a little gingerly. Disappointingly, Kramer is pronounced “Kr-arm-er”, apparently, so those Seinfeld jokes aren’t going to work quite so well. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! |
| 9.02pm BST | |
| 21:02 | |
| 60 min: Yedlin finds Johansson, and his cross is headed back very well by Diskerud. Zardes can’t quite read the knockdown, though, and Germany clear. But USA are markedly improved from the first half. Zardes a real threat. | 60 min: Yedlin finds Johansson, and his cross is headed back very well by Diskerud. Zardes can’t quite read the knockdown, though, and Germany clear. But USA are markedly improved from the first half. Zardes a real threat. |
| 9.00pm BST | |
| 21:00 | |
| 58 min: Germany have definitely lost some poise with Schweinsteiger withdrawn. Ozil tries to feed Khedira, but then there’s a stoppage for Rüdiger, of Stuttgart. Was that an arm in his face by Zardes? No card. | 58 min: Germany have definitely lost some poise with Schweinsteiger withdrawn. Ozil tries to feed Khedira, but then there’s a stoppage for Rüdiger, of Stuttgart. Was that an arm in his face by Zardes? No card. |
| 8.58pm BST | |
| 20:58 | |
| 56 min: Corner for USA. Zardes is doing much better than Agudelo, particularly at holding the ball up – and Beckermann has brought some calm in midfield. Bradley’s corner finds Zardes, and then a chance for Alvarado! But that’s a fine block from Mustafi, and Germany welly clear. | 56 min: Corner for USA. Zardes is doing much better than Agudelo, particularly at holding the ball up – and Beckermann has brought some calm in midfield. Bradley’s corner finds Zardes, and then a chance for Alvarado! But that’s a fine block from Mustafi, and Germany welly clear. |
| 8.57pm BST | |
| 20:57 | |
| 54 min: USA breaking with more conviction here – they’re finding more space between the lines of defence and midfield. But that’s a lovely turn by Hector, leaving Yedlin on his backside, and Khedira can’t quite collect Götze’s cross. Better from Germany! | 54 min: USA breaking with more conviction here – they’re finding more space between the lines of defence and midfield. But that’s a lovely turn by Hector, leaving Yedlin on his backside, and Khedira can’t quite collect Götze’s cross. Better from Germany! |
| 8.56pm BST | |
| 20:56 | |
| 53 min: … but Podolski takes the wrong option in trying to find Khedira, and the chance is lost. | 53 min: … but Podolski takes the wrong option in trying to find Khedira, and the chance is lost. |
| 8.55pm BST | |
| 20:55 | |
| 52 min: Zardes has now gotten in twice down the left, but his cross is belted clear by Rudiger. Zardes has begun this second half well. Is he in more of an advanced role? Then Bradley finds Yedlin, and his cross is dangerous, too! Podolski is first to it, though, and Germany break … | 52 min: Zardes has now gotten in twice down the left, but his cross is belted clear by Rudiger. Zardes has begun this second half well. Is he in more of an advanced role? Then Bradley finds Yedlin, and his cross is dangerous, too! Podolski is first to it, though, and Germany break … |
| 8.54pm BST | |
| 20:54 | |
| 51 min: Jason Elliott lends a hand: | 51 min: Jason Elliott lends a hand: |
| The word means to dawdle (via Meriam-Webster.com). The best way to understand the concept is to think of walking anywhere with a small child. It will take you forever because children are the worst lollygaggers. To answer your follow-up, yes, Lalas is basically calling Chandler a child. But you already knew Lalas was an ass. | The word means to dawdle (via Meriam-Webster.com). The best way to understand the concept is to think of walking anywhere with a small child. It will take you forever because children are the worst lollygaggers. To answer your follow-up, yes, Lalas is basically calling Chandler a child. But you already knew Lalas was an ass. |
| 8.53pm BST | |
| 20:53 | |
| 48 min: Chance for Zardes! But crowded out. | 48 min: Chance for Zardes! But crowded out. |
| Renee Giroux asks: | Renee Giroux asks: |
| I’m stuck at work (Seattle, Washington) with no access to a tv, but judging by your commentary, our defense is playing rather poorly. Has the German attack been relentless or are the US men a step slow and out of position? | I’m stuck at work (Seattle, Washington) with no access to a tv, but judging by your commentary, our defense is playing rather poorly. Has the German attack been relentless or are the US men a step slow and out of position? |
| Hm, good question. Germany have attacked really well, and they move so smoothly between the lines. Götze starts central and then pulls wide, and then Ozil takes his place, and Schürrle moves in from the left. No blame attached, really, to the USA defence, but four defenders did get dragged towards the ball for Götze’s goal, leaving Götze completely free in the box. But it’s churlish to criticise the defence too much. | Hm, good question. Germany have attacked really well, and they move so smoothly between the lines. Götze starts central and then pulls wide, and then Ozil takes his place, and Schürrle moves in from the left. No blame attached, really, to the USA defence, but four defenders did get dragged towards the ball for Götze’s goal, leaving Götze completely free in the box. But it’s churlish to criticise the defence too much. |
| 8.50pm BST | |
| 20:50 | |
| 47 min: Khedira, of course, signed with Juventus this week. What a signing that could turn out to be. He’s great, eh? Corner for Germany after Hector advances, but that’s a really dominant header from Brooks, under pressure from Mustafi. | 47 min: Khedira, of course, signed with Juventus this week. What a signing that could turn out to be. He’s great, eh? Corner for Germany after Hector advances, but that’s a really dominant header from Brooks, under pressure from Mustafi. |
| 8.48pm BST | |
| 20:48 | |
| 46 min: We’re back out, and Germany have made two changes: Khedira and Podolski in for Schürrle and Schweini. Kyle Beckermann and Brad Evans on for USA, for Williams and Timmy Chandler. Podolski of course, is Köln’s local hero. | 46 min: We’re back out, and Germany have made two changes: Khedira and Podolski in for Schürrle and Schweini. Kyle Beckermann and Brad Evans on for USA, for Williams and Timmy Chandler. Podolski of course, is Köln’s local hero. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.49pm BST | |
| 8.44pm BST | |
| 20:44 | |
| Re lollygaggers: Donald Rett is on the money: | Re lollygaggers: Donald Rett is on the money: |
| Updated | |
| at 8.44pm BST | |
| 8.43pm BST | |
| 20:43 | |
| By the way, if you haven’t read this by my colleague Les Carpenter, you really must: it’s a terrific oral history of USA at Italia 90: the story of America’s soccer pioneers. | By the way, if you haven’t read this by my colleague Les Carpenter, you really must: it’s a terrific oral history of USA at Italia 90: the story of America’s soccer pioneers. |
| Related: An oral history of USA at Italia '90: the World Cup that changed US soccer | Related: An oral history of USA at Italia '90: the World Cup that changed US soccer |
| 8.42pm BST | |
| 20:42 | |
| Charles Antaki has a question: | Charles Antaki has a question: |
| I’ve not really been paying attention, but any time I see the USA team they seem to be kitted out in entirely different kit. I know they used to have an awful denim look, but what is it now? | I’ve not really been paying attention, but any time I see the USA team they seem to be kitted out in entirely different kit. I know they used to have an awful denim look, but what is it now? |
| It’s royal blue, and rather natty. Available at your nearest Nike store! | It’s royal blue, and rather natty. Available at your nearest Nike store! |
| 8.40pm BST | |
| 20:40 | |
| Alexi Lalas is having a moan at Timmy Chandler on the half-time analysis. “He’s a lollygagger!” | Alexi Lalas is having a moan at Timmy Chandler on the half-time analysis. “He’s a lollygagger!” |
| (What’s a lollygagger?) | (What’s a lollygagger?) |
| 8.38pm BST | |
| 20:38 | |
| Some half-time pictures: | Some half-time pictures: |
| Götze opens the scoring for Germany … | Götze opens the scoring for Germany … |
| … but Diskerud levels things up. | … but Diskerud levels things up. |
| 8.32pm BST | |
| 20:32 | |
| Half-time: Germany 1-1 USA | Half-time: Germany 1-1 USA |
| No stoppage time, and that’s the whistle. Say what you like about the USA, but they don’t half have some resolve. One apiece – Germany should be ahead, and will be kicking themselves for conceding such a slack goal. But it’s been entertaining! | No stoppage time, and that’s the whistle. Say what you like about the USA, but they don’t half have some resolve. One apiece – Germany should be ahead, and will be kicking themselves for conceding such a slack goal. But it’s been entertaining! |
| 8.31pm BST | |
| 20:31 | |
| 44 min: Herrmann’s been great so far, but that was a waste: he tried to beat Guzan at his near post from the right side of the penalty area, but he’d have been better trying to cut it back and look for a teammate. | 44 min: Herrmann’s been great so far, but that was a waste: he tried to beat Guzan at his near post from the right side of the penalty area, but he’d have been better trying to cut it back and look for a teammate. |
| 8.30pm BST | |
| 20:30 | |
| 43 min: Fabulous ball from Bradley there, but Germany left a gaping hole at right-back. Diskerud exploited it perfectly. Bradley took a chance in the box – that was a heart-in-mouth moment – and then Zardes at the other end! Went for power as it broke to him in the box, but just too high. | 43 min: Fabulous ball from Bradley there, but Germany left a gaping hole at right-back. Diskerud exploited it perfectly. Bradley took a chance in the box – that was a heart-in-mouth moment – and then Zardes at the other end! Went for power as it broke to him in the box, but just too high. |
| 8.28pm BST | |
| 20:28 | |
| 41 min: Wow, where did that come from? USA had the ball, and Rudy was way, way up the field, leaving a giant space in the right-back slot. He clipped a lovely ball over for Diskerud, in the inside-left channel, and he kept his head and finished with a kind of scissors-kick as the ball sat up, low past Zieler. Out of nowhere, USA are on terms! | 41 min: Wow, where did that come from? USA had the ball, and Rudy was way, way up the field, leaving a giant space in the right-back slot. He clipped a lovely ball over for Diskerud, in the inside-left channel, and he kept his head and finished with a kind of scissors-kick as the ball sat up, low past Zieler. Out of nowhere, USA are on terms! |
| 8.27pm BST | |
| 20:27 | |
| GOAL! Germany 1-1 USA (Diskerud 41) | GOAL! Germany 1-1 USA (Diskerud 41) |
| Diskerud levels!! | Diskerud levels!! |
| 8.26pm BST | |
| 20:26 | |
| 41 min: Germany break so quickly. There’s so much pace in the side: one minute they’re in defence, and then they just flood forward at top speed. Really good transitions, you might say. | 41 min: Germany break so quickly. There’s so much pace in the side: one minute they’re in defence, and then they just flood forward at top speed. Really good transitions, you might say. |
| 8.25pm BST | |
| 20:25 | |
| 40 min: Ooh, Ozil and Götze nearly combine after the Bayern man shows strength and stickability. Too close to Guzan, and then Chandler is away down the right, firing in a dangerous cross that Zieler does well to hold. | 40 min: Ooh, Ozil and Götze nearly combine after the Bayern man shows strength and stickability. Too close to Guzan, and then Chandler is away down the right, firing in a dangerous cross that Zieler does well to hold. |
| 8.24pm BST | |
| 20:24 | |
| 39 min: Germany try to play out from the back, but the USA press high, and Johansson has a shot at goal. It’s wide. On commentary, Friedel makes a perceptive point: “Goals change games.” They sure do! | 39 min: Germany try to play out from the back, but the USA press high, and Johansson has a shot at goal. It’s wide. On commentary, Friedel makes a perceptive point: “Goals change games.” They sure do! |
| 8.23pm BST | |
| 20:23 | |
| 38 min: Some lovely, precise passing from Ozil and Gundogan, and Hector is well forward on the left, but Chandler and Zardes double team him and the chance is lost. Germany have looked really good here. But here’s Johnson, and Bradley to strike … but he miscontrols on the edge of the box, and the chance is lost. | 38 min: Some lovely, precise passing from Ozil and Gundogan, and Hector is well forward on the left, but Chandler and Zardes double team him and the chance is lost. Germany have looked really good here. But here’s Johnson, and Bradley to strike … but he miscontrols on the edge of the box, and the chance is lost. |
| 8.22pm BST | |
| 20:22 | |
| 36 min: Diskerud fouls Herrmann, who was breaking dangerously. That should be a yellow. Herrmann has looked swift, decisive and skilful: he could be a real find. The crowd’s doing a Mexican wave. Behave yourselves, this match is not boring! | 36 min: Diskerud fouls Herrmann, who was breaking dangerously. That should be a yellow. Herrmann has looked swift, decisive and skilful: he could be a real find. The crowd’s doing a Mexican wave. Behave yourselves, this match is not boring! |
| 8.20pm BST | |
| 20:20 | |
| 34 min: Schurrle wants a penalty! He went down under challenge from Chandler, but it was six of one and half a dozen of the other, as my mum would say. | 34 min: Schurrle wants a penalty! He went down under challenge from Chandler, but it was six of one and half a dozen of the other, as my mum would say. |
| 8.19pm BST | |
| 20:19 | |
| 32 min: Big chance for Germany! And it was Götze! But that’s a big save by Brad Guzan. Germany broke, and Ozil carried it forward. He was fouled late, but the ball ran through to Götze, on the edge of the box, all alone – he just couldn’t finish. Should have scored! And then Schürrle with a header from Götze’s cross – he just couldn’t get any power on it, and he’s not Duncan Ferguson. Germany moving up the gears! | 32 min: Big chance for Germany! And it was Götze! But that’s a big save by Brad Guzan. Germany broke, and Ozil carried it forward. He was fouled late, but the ball ran through to Götze, on the edge of the box, all alone – he just couldn’t finish. Should have scored! And then Schürrle with a header from Götze’s cross – he just couldn’t get any power on it, and he’s not Duncan Ferguson. Germany moving up the gears! |
| 8.17pm BST | |
| 20:17 | |
| 31 min: Schürrle nearly surprises Alvarado down the right, but he can’t quite keep it in bounds, as they say in America. Good defending. USA try to break but Gundogan does some good defensive work, and the chance is lost. | 31 min: Schürrle nearly surprises Alvarado down the right, but he can’t quite keep it in bounds, as they say in America. Good defending. USA try to break but Gundogan does some good defensive work, and the chance is lost. |
| 8.16pm BST | |
| 20:16 | |
| 30 min: Zieler’s distribution has been really good – he doesn’t just lump it forward like some. Germany have had 68% possession so far. They’re so neat and tidy with the ball – rarely is it given away. The surface looks like a putting green. | 30 min: Zieler’s distribution has been really good – he doesn’t just lump it forward like some. Germany have had 68% possession so far. They’re so neat and tidy with the ball – rarely is it given away. The surface looks like a putting green. |
| 8.15pm BST | |
| 20:15 | |
| 28 min: Schweinsteiger stops USA breaking with what might charitably called a tactical foul. Uncharitably, it might be called a cynical trip. No card. Brooks, who’s stepped out of the back line on more than one occasion, shovels it to the right, and Johansson tries to make something, but his shot is hopeful, and high. No dramas for Germany. | 28 min: Schweinsteiger stops USA breaking with what might charitably called a tactical foul. Uncharitably, it might be called a cynical trip. No card. Brooks, who’s stepped out of the back line on more than one occasion, shovels it to the right, and Johansson tries to make something, but his shot is hopeful, and high. No dramas for Germany. |
| 8.12pm BST | |
| 20:12 | |
| 26 min: Friedel talks about Germny’s “conveyor belt of talent”. I guess they’re the word champions for a reason. They’ve looked to go wide in this match, too – both full-backs seeing plenty of the ball. Then Ozil dinks one over the defender into the box on the right, but Herrmann couldn’t make contact with his shot. | 26 min: Friedel talks about Germny’s “conveyor belt of talent”. I guess they’re the word champions for a reason. They’ve looked to go wide in this match, too – both full-backs seeing plenty of the ball. Then Ozil dinks one over the defender into the box on the right, but Herrmann couldn’t make contact with his shot. |
| 8.11pm BST | |
| 20:11 | |
| 24 min: Zieler’s doing as Neuer does, and comes plenty far out of his box to join in the play. Herrmann nearly gets in down the right, but Germany come again, through Götze down the right, but Johnson does well to win the goal kick. | 24 min: Zieler’s doing as Neuer does, and comes plenty far out of his box to join in the play. Herrmann nearly gets in down the right, but Germany come again, through Götze down the right, but Johnson does well to win the goal kick. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.11pm BST | |
| 8.09pm BST | |
| 20:09 | |
| 22 min: Gah, that was a late one from Danny Williams. A late, high, crude trip on Gundogan. That looked a sore one, and the USA man is rightly booked. And almost a chance for USA! Agudelo stepped in on Rudiger, and he was this close from dispossessing him on the edge of the box. Germany A-OK, though. | 22 min: Gah, that was a late one from Danny Williams. A late, high, crude trip on Gundogan. That looked a sore one, and the USA man is rightly booked. And almost a chance for USA! Agudelo stepped in on Rudiger, and he was this close from dispossessing him on the edge of the box. Germany A-OK, though. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.09pm BST | |
| 8.07pm BST | |
| 20:07 | |
| 20 min: Schweini finds Schürrle with a lovely round-the-corner poke with his left foot, and the Wolfsburg man is fouled. Then Schweini finds Rudy on the right, but the cross is miles too strong. Schweini dictating the pace of this. He’s brilliant! | 20 min: Schweini finds Schürrle with a lovely round-the-corner poke with his left foot, and the Wolfsburg man is fouled. Then Schweini finds Rudy on the right, but the cross is miles too strong. Schweini dictating the pace of this. He’s brilliant! |
| 8.05pm BST | |
| 20:05 | |
| 18 min: Better from the visitors. Zardes advances down the right, but his cross is blocked. They’ve had much more possession these past few minutes, though, USA, and Bradley looks for Zardes over the top against Mustafi. That’s Zieler’s ball. | 18 min: Better from the visitors. Zardes advances down the right, but his cross is blocked. They’ve had much more possession these past few minutes, though, USA, and Bradley looks for Zardes over the top against Mustafi. That’s Zieler’s ball. |
| 8.02pm BST | |
| 20:02 | |
| 17 min: Herrmann’s looked really lively down the right-hand side. Lots for Fabian Johnson to ponder. | 17 min: Herrmann’s looked really lively down the right-hand side. Lots for Fabian Johnson to ponder. |
| 8.01pm BST | |
| 20:01 | |
| 15 min: Ooh, it’s all going off! Johnson did so well down the left, cutting it back from the byline, but it just wouldn’t fall for the USA. Then Herrmann responds down the German right. It’s really good stuff so far, is this. | 15 min: Ooh, it’s all going off! Johnson did so well down the left, cutting it back from the byline, but it just wouldn’t fall for the USA. Then Herrmann responds down the German right. It’s really good stuff so far, is this. |
| 8.00pm BST | |
| 20:00 | |
| 13 min: USA had been growing in confidence, but that was far too easy, and brilliant play from Herrmann, the debutant. He sucked in three players down the German right, snuck into the box, and found Götze, who was wide open on the left, and the Bayern man just slotted it past Guzan. An excellent finish – he had lots to do, but that was lovely: he just caressed it back where it came from. | 13 min: USA had been growing in confidence, but that was far too easy, and brilliant play from Herrmann, the debutant. He sucked in three players down the German right, snuck into the box, and found Götze, who was wide open on the left, and the Bayern man just slotted it past Guzan. An excellent finish – he had lots to do, but that was lovely: he just caressed it back where it came from. |
| 7.58pm BST | |
| 19:58 | |
| GOAL! Germany 1-0 USA (Götze 12) | GOAL! Germany 1-0 USA (Götze 12) |
| Oh boy. | Oh boy. |
| 7.58pm BST | |
| 19:58 | |
| 11 min: Peter Oh wants clarification: | 11 min: Peter Oh wants clarification: |
| By “Klinsi is singing the national anthem” I hope you mean the Star-Spangled Banner! U-S-A! | By “Klinsi is singing the national anthem” I hope you mean the Star-Spangled Banner! U-S-A! |
| He sang both, actually! Whether he was tuneful, like me, or tone deaf, like my friend Adam, remains to be seen. | He sang both, actually! Whether he was tuneful, like me, or tone deaf, like my friend Adam, remains to be seen. |
| 7.56pm BST | |
| 19:56 | |
| 10 min: Oh, that’s so close from Diskerud! Johansson did so well down the left, completely befuddling Hector, and after a clever feint from Bradley it was laid back to Diskerud on the edge of the D. He went for power, but it was narrowly over. Zieler wasn’t saving that! | 10 min: Oh, that’s so close from Diskerud! Johansson did so well down the left, completely befuddling Hector, and after a clever feint from Bradley it was laid back to Diskerud on the edge of the D. He went for power, but it was narrowly over. Zieler wasn’t saving that! |
| 7.55pm BST | |
| 19:55 | |
| 9 min: Brad Friedel says the atmosphere in Cologne is “really friendly”. And apparently the food at the RheinEnergieStadion is to die for. Diskerud dispossesses Ozil, and USA can build from the back. They’ve been under pressure so far. | 9 min: Brad Friedel says the atmosphere in Cologne is “really friendly”. And apparently the food at the RheinEnergieStadion is to die for. Diskerud dispossesses Ozil, and USA can build from the back. They’ve been under pressure so far. |
| 7.54pm BST | |
| 19:54 | |
| 7 min: Chance for Ozil! It was laid back in the area, and the Arsenal man hit it sweetly, but straight at Guzan. USA offside again – Germany really pressing high. | 7 min: Chance for Ozil! It was laid back in the area, and the Arsenal man hit it sweetly, but straight at Guzan. USA offside again – Germany really pressing high. |
| 7.53pm BST | |
| 19:53 | |
| 5 min: It’s not quite panic stations yet for USA, but Germany have really pressed high up the field, and the visitors haven’t been able to get hold of the ball yet. | 5 min: It’s not quite panic stations yet for USA, but Germany have really pressed high up the field, and the visitors haven’t been able to get hold of the ball yet. |
| Dominique Dethlefs is in Berlin, and she’s helpful!: | Dominique Dethlefs is in Berlin, and she’s helpful!: |
| Hi Tim, “(…) not least to make everyone feel a little bit better about the national elf.” | Hi Tim, “(…) not least to make everyone feel a little bit better about the national elf.” |
| You can call them officially Die Mannschaft now. It’s the new word and design mark: | You can call them officially Die Mannschaft now. It’s the new word and design mark: |
| So, I do hope Germany will win, though Neuer, Müller & Co. aren’t playing. Well, maybe the new ones will surprise us. | So, I do hope Germany will win, though Neuer, Müller & Co. aren’t playing. Well, maybe the new ones will surprise us. |
| Greetings from Berlin! | Greetings from Berlin! |
| Updated | |
| at 7.54pm BST | |
| 7.51pm BST | |
| 19:51 | |
| 4 min: Another corner, as Hector ran in behind. Götze takes with an inswinger, and the USA got lucky! Rudiger missed it, and it fell to Schweinsteiger, but he couldn’t sort his feet out! He was unmarked six yards out, and he missed it completely. Great early opportunity. | 4 min: Another corner, as Hector ran in behind. Götze takes with an inswinger, and the USA got lucky! Rudiger missed it, and it fell to Schweinsteiger, but he couldn’t sort his feet out! He was unmarked six yards out, and he missed it completely. Great early opportunity. |
| 7.50pm BST | |
| 19:50 | |
| 3 min: Germany look to get in again down the left – Hector and Schürrle have combined well twice so far. Such easy passing from Germany, too – the surface looks immaculate, and they’ve really punched their balls into feet so far. Hosts on top. | 3 min: Germany look to get in again down the left – Hector and Schürrle have combined well twice so far. Such easy passing from Germany, too – the surface looks immaculate, and they’ve really punched their balls into feet so far. Hosts on top. |
| 7.48pm BST | |
| 19:48 | |
| 1 min: Germany kick off, and they’re quickly into their rhythm. Lovely change of pace from Gundogan, and it’s an early corner for the hosts – but Rudiger’s header is well wide. | 1 min: Germany kick off, and they’re quickly into their rhythm. Lovely change of pace from Gundogan, and it’s an early corner for the hosts – but Rudiger’s header is well wide. |
| 7.45pm BST | |
| 19:45 | |
| Brad Friedel on commentary says: “I was really excited by what I saw against the Netherlands. Why not go for it? Why not try to attack them?” | Brad Friedel on commentary says: “I was really excited by what I saw against the Netherlands. Why not go for it? Why not try to attack them?” |
| Quite right. Let’s have a right go, etc etc. | Quite right. Let’s have a right go, etc etc. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.46pm BST | |
| 7.44pm BST | |
| 19:44 | |
| Jürgen and Jogi: players, coaches, friends. | Jürgen and Jogi: players, coaches, friends. |
| 7.42pm BST | |
| 19:42 | |
| Kick-off is minutes away. Klinsi’s singing the national anthem! | Kick-off is minutes away. Klinsi’s singing the national anthem! |
| 7.41pm BST | |
| 19:41 | |
| The RheinEnergieStadion looks a magnificent sight! It’s completely full, and flags reading “Die Mannschaft” are being unfurled across the stands. The players are out: USA, sponsored by American sportswear behemoth Nike, in blue, and Germany, sponsored by German sportswear behemoth Adidas, in all white. Classic. | The RheinEnergieStadion looks a magnificent sight! It’s completely full, and flags reading “Die Mannschaft” are being unfurled across the stands. The players are out: USA, sponsored by American sportswear behemoth Nike, in blue, and Germany, sponsored by German sportswear behemoth Adidas, in all white. Classic. |
| 7.39pm BST | |
| 19:39 | |
| I’m really looking forward to see Germany pass the ball. Bastian Schweinsteiger, fresh from watching his girlfriend Ana Ivanovic at the French Open, is in there alongside Ilkay Gundogan, another smooth mover, and what a lovely sight Ozil is: I know he gets some stick from Arsenal fans, but he’s a real star, no? He makes it look so easy. | I’m really looking forward to see Germany pass the ball. Bastian Schweinsteiger, fresh from watching his girlfriend Ana Ivanovic at the French Open, is in there alongside Ilkay Gundogan, another smooth mover, and what a lovely sight Ozil is: I know he gets some stick from Arsenal fans, but he’s a real star, no? He makes it look so easy. |
| Arne Friedrich on Fox commentary says, in perfect English: “Herrmann is a fantastic player. I’m glad he’s playing. And Schweinsteiger is the heart of the team.” | Arne Friedrich on Fox commentary says, in perfect English: “Herrmann is a fantastic player. I’m glad he’s playing. And Schweinsteiger is the heart of the team.” |
| 7.32pm BST | |
| 19:32 | |
| Die Mannschaft are raring to go! | Die Mannschaft are raring to go! |
| 20 minutes until kick-off! #DieMannschaft are raring to go. #GERUSA pic.twitter.com/R361KO4ppO | 20 minutes until kick-off! #DieMannschaft are raring to go. #GERUSA pic.twitter.com/R361KO4ppO |
| 7.31pm BST | |
| 19:31 | |
| Patrick Herrmann makes his debut for Germany. He’s 24 now, so older than Götze, but he scored 16 in 46 for Mönchengladbach last year. Expect him to play with Ozil and Schürrle in a 4-2-3-1. Germany’s defence is pretty inexperienced, though – Rudinger, Hector and Rudy are pretty green, and Ron-Robert Zieler too. | Patrick Herrmann makes his debut for Germany. He’s 24 now, so older than Götze, but he scored 16 in 46 for Mönchengladbach last year. Expect him to play with Ozil and Schürrle in a 4-2-3-1. Germany’s defence is pretty inexperienced, though – Rudinger, Hector and Rudy are pretty green, and Ron-Robert Zieler too. |
| 7.23pm BST | |
| 19:23 | |
| Check out these highlights from USA’s 4-3 victory over Holland. The Dutch defending! | Check out these highlights from USA’s 4-3 victory over Holland. The Dutch defending! |
| 7.20pm BST | |
| 19:20 | |
| Germany hold the No 1 ranking in men’s and women’s football. They’re hoping to become the first country to hold the men’s and women’s World Cups at the same time. What a magnificent soccer nation. | Germany hold the No 1 ranking in men’s and women’s football. They’re hoping to become the first country to hold the men’s and women’s World Cups at the same time. What a magnificent soccer nation. |
| 7.18pm BST | |
| 19:18 | |
| Aside from Klinsmann, there’s definitely a German flavour in this USA team. Four of the starting XI – Brooks, Chandler, Williams and Johnson – were born in Germany, and several of Klinsmann’s squad have experience playing there. Here’s Grant Wahl from last year on the influence of Germany on the USA World Cup team: | Aside from Klinsmann, there’s definitely a German flavour in this USA team. Four of the starting XI – Brooks, Chandler, Williams and Johnson – were born in Germany, and several of Klinsmann’s squad have experience playing there. Here’s Grant Wahl from last year on the influence of Germany on the USA World Cup team: |
| The cold war may be over, but its effects are alive and well on Klinsmann’s US World Cup squad, which includes five German-Americans: midfielders Jones, 32, and Julian Green, 19; and defenders Fabian Johnson, 26, Timmy Chandler, 24, and John Brooks, 21. From a demographic perspective, it makes perfect sense that the U.S.’s military influence in Germany would extend to the soccer field. | The cold war may be over, but its effects are alive and well on Klinsmann’s US World Cup squad, which includes five German-Americans: midfielders Jones, 32, and Julian Green, 19; and defenders Fabian Johnson, 26, Timmy Chandler, 24, and John Brooks, 21. From a demographic perspective, it makes perfect sense that the U.S.’s military influence in Germany would extend to the soccer field. |
| When Jones was born in 1981, more than 248,000 American troops were stationed in Germany (compared to 40,304 at the start of 2014). One can only imagine the soccer heights the US might scale if it had a similar military presence in Brazil, but alas, there were only 222 US troops there in 1981. | When Jones was born in 1981, more than 248,000 American troops were stationed in Germany (compared to 40,304 at the start of 2014). One can only imagine the soccer heights the US might scale if it had a similar military presence in Brazil, but alas, there were only 222 US troops there in 1981. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.18pm BST | |
| 7.09pm BST | |
| 19:09 | |
| Here’s a stat: in 10 Germany-USA meetings, no draws. | Here’s a stat: in 10 Germany-USA meetings, no draws. |
| 3 - This will be the 11th meeting between #USMNT and Germany. USA have won 3 and lost 7 of the previous ten meetings. Revenge. | 3 - This will be the 11th meeting between #USMNT and Germany. USA have won 3 and lost 7 of the previous ten meetings. Revenge. |
| 7.05pm BST | |
| 19:05 | |
| The lineups are in: | The lineups are in: |
| Germany: Zieler; Rudy, Mustafi, Rüdiger, Hector; Schweinsteiger, Gündogan; Herrmann, Özil, Schürrle; Götze. | Germany: Zieler; Rudy, Mustafi, Rüdiger, Hector; Schweinsteiger, Gündogan; Herrmann, Özil, Schürrle; Götze. |
| USA: Guzan; Chandler, Alvarado, Brooks, Johnson; Williams, Zardes, Diskerud, Bradley; Johannsson, Agudelo. | USA: Guzan; Chandler, Alvarado, Brooks, Johnson; Williams, Zardes, Diskerud, Bradley; Johannsson, Agudelo. |
| So Zieler of Hannover starts in goal for Germany, and Patrick Herrmann of Monchengladbach makes his debut. Götze starts up front. | So Zieler of Hannover starts in goal for Germany, and Patrick Herrmann of Monchengladbach makes his debut. Götze starts up front. |
| For the US, Agudelo and Danny Williams come in – Brek Shea and Kyle Beckermann are outta there. | For the US, Agudelo and Danny Williams come in – Brek Shea and Kyle Beckermann are outta there. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.07pm BST | |
| 7.02pm BST | |
| 19:02 | |
| On the Manuel Neuer tip, here are all of his saves from the World Cup last year. What a hero. | On the Manuel Neuer tip, here are all of his saves from the World Cup last year. What a hero. |
| 7.00pm BST | |
| 19:00 | |
| That Germany team was so good last year, wasn’t it? Skill and pace and athleticism and passing and vim – and what a goalkeeper! Unfortunately, Neuer is missing, as are Thomas Müller and Toni Kroos. They’re tired after a long season, poor dears. But 13 of the squad won in Brazil last year, and Boateng, Hummels, Khedira, Schweini, Ozil and Götze are all in line to play. | That Germany team was so good last year, wasn’t it? Skill and pace and athleticism and passing and vim – and what a goalkeeper! Unfortunately, Neuer is missing, as are Thomas Müller and Toni Kroos. They’re tired after a long season, poor dears. But 13 of the squad won in Brazil last year, and Boateng, Hummels, Khedira, Schweini, Ozil and Götze are all in line to play. |
| 6.53pm BST | |
| 18:53 | |
| Hi! Thomas Wolfe famously said you can’t go home again – but Jürgen Klinsmann is doing just that. Klinsi is all-American these days: he lives in Huntington Beach, swims in the ocean, speaks with American-accented English, and is the highly successful coach of a fast-improving USA team. But today the Swabian baker’s son is going back to his roots. | Hi! Thomas Wolfe famously said you can’t go home again – but Jürgen Klinsmann is doing just that. Klinsi is all-American these days: he lives in Huntington Beach, swims in the ocean, speaks with American-accented English, and is the highly successful coach of a fast-improving USA team. But today the Swabian baker’s son is going back to his roots. |
| His side play the world champions in Cologne, in an international friendly to really get the juices flowing. He’s also meeting up with his friend and prodigy Joachim Löw. Klinsmann, remember, coached Germany before passing the baton to his assistant, Löw – and the pupil has outdone the scholar, winning the World Cup for Germany for the first time in 24 years. | His side play the world champions in Cologne, in an international friendly to really get the juices flowing. He’s also meeting up with his friend and prodigy Joachim Löw. Klinsmann, remember, coached Germany before passing the baton to his assistant, Löw – and the pupil has outdone the scholar, winning the World Cup for Germany for the first time in 24 years. |
| But things aren’t going quite so well for Germany since that heady July evening at the Maracaña last July, when Mario Götze collected and twisted and volleyed past Sergio Romero. They’ve stuttered against Ireland and Poland in qualification for Euro 2016, are find themselves in a mild qualifying jam. They’ll be fine, no doubt – they play Gibraltar away on Saturday, and they’ll probably win 9-0 – but they could do with a win here against the USA, not least to make everyone feel a little bit better about the nationalelf. | But things aren’t going quite so well for Germany since that heady July evening at the Maracaña last July, when Mario Götze collected and twisted and volleyed past Sergio Romero. They’ve stuttered against Ireland and Poland in qualification for Euro 2016, are find themselves in a mild qualifying jam. They’ll be fine, no doubt – they play Gibraltar away on Saturday, and they’ll probably win 9-0 – but they could do with a win here against the USA, not least to make everyone feel a little bit better about the nationalelf. |
| Klinsi’s feeling better about his team, probably: they played really well last week to come back from 3-1 down to beat Holland in Amsterdam, showing no little perseverance, desire and skill. That’s no mean feat, even if Holland defended like clots, oafs and galoots, and they’ll provide a stiff test for Germany, especially since the Klinsmann wants to finalise his roster for the Gold Cup, which begins in America next month. Places are up for grabs, and everyone wants in. | Klinsi’s feeling better about his team, probably: they played really well last week to come back from 3-1 down to beat Holland in Amsterdam, showing no little perseverance, desire and skill. That’s no mean feat, even if Holland defended like clots, oafs and galoots, and they’ll provide a stiff test for Germany, especially since the Klinsmann wants to finalise his roster for the Gold Cup, which begins in America next month. Places are up for grabs, and everyone wants in. |
| Kickoff is 7.45pm BST, 2.45pm ET – and we’d love for you to join us. | Kickoff is 7.45pm BST, 2.45pm ET – and we’d love for you to join us. |
| 6.46pm BST | |
| 18:46 | |
| Tim will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s Les Carpenter on the 25th anniversary of the USA team at the 1990 World Cup: | Tim will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s Les Carpenter on the 25th anniversary of the USA team at the 1990 World Cup: |
| Long before Major League Soccer, regular World Cups for America and Saturday games on network TV, there was a team that launched modern soccer in the United States. It was a group of unknowns, many of them fresh from college, who had been handed an impossible task: become the first American team in 40 years to go to the World Cup. | Long before Major League Soccer, regular World Cups for America and Saturday games on network TV, there was a team that launched modern soccer in the United States. It was a group of unknowns, many of them fresh from college, who had been handed an impossible task: become the first American team in 40 years to go to the World Cup. |
| For nine months in 1989, the US players battled to seize one of the two Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), spots in the 1990 World Cup. Eventually, they did, with a miracle goal scored on a tiny island off the coast of Venezuela. Then 25 years ago this week they stepped on an Italian field and launched a movement. | For nine months in 1989, the US players battled to seize one of the two Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), spots in the 1990 World Cup. Eventually, they did, with a miracle goal scored on a tiny island off the coast of Venezuela. Then 25 years ago this week they stepped on an Italian field and launched a movement. |
| This is the story of America’s soccer pioneers who walked into a world they never could have imagined. | This is the story of America’s soccer pioneers who walked into a world they never could have imagined. |
| Related: An oral history of USA at Italia '90: the World Cup that changed US soccer | Related: An oral history of USA at Italia '90: the World Cup that changed US soccer |