The United States reached the knockout stage of consecutive World Cups for the first time, just not the way the Americans wanted.
Germany beat the U.S. 1-0 yesterday in soggy Recife on Thomas Muller?s 55th-minute goal to win Group G, but the Americans held onto second place when Portugal defeated Ghana 2-1 in a game played simultaneously in Brasilia.
The Germans, three-time World Cup champions, finished with seven points, while the U.S. had four, after allowing a 95th-minute goal against Portugal on Sunday in a 2-2 draw. Portugal also had four, but the Americans advanced from the so-called ?Group of Death? because their goal difference was even and the Portuguese were minus three.
The U.S. would next play Belgium unless they lose to South Korea (4:00 pm. ET, ESPN) and Algeria beats Russia (4:00.m. ET, ESPN2), in which case the Americans would face Algeria. The U.S. is advancing to consecutive knockout rounds for the first time in the team?s history.
?This is a huge step and now we can?t wait until round of 16,? U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said after the match. ?Everyone said we had no chance, we took the chance and move on. And now we really want to prove a point.?
