Germany 1 – 2 USA
The International friendly between World Champion Germany and up-and-coming USA shocked the world of soccer. Even though it was a friendly, it was still a benchmark in US soccer history.
June 12, 2015
Starting with the best part, which is the personal stories behind the game: German born, US Coach Jurgen Klinsmann coached the German National Team in his past (2004-6). Upon his departure at 2006, he passed on the baton to his successor, assistant and protégé Joachim Low. Low, who remained in the helm since has surpassed Klinsmann, and won the world cup with Germany for the 1st time in 24 years.
Although both met in the world cup, with Low’s Germany defeating Klinsmann USA team 1-0, with Germany being one of the undisputed powerhouses of the competition, Team USA still hung in the balance and has been going from strength to strength ever since.
Image Source: Simon Hofmann/Bongarts/Getty Images
Lately, things are not going as well for Germany, as the team does not seem to be the same machine it was in the World Cup, struggling with qualifications for Euro 2016. Although Germany is still a world-soccer powerhouse that is here to stay, still vastly superior to the US, the latter seem to be making strides and have lately been in great form. Team USA displayed very impressive football against Holland last week, and are in good shape and confidence for Gold Cup next month. The Americans seem to have a lot of what Holland and other European national teams lack recently: hunger to play and something to prove.
Having Ozil, Schurrle and Gotze up front will surely help Germany to create opportunities within USA territory. Still, the US is coming up with its own lineup that appears to be on the offense as well, with Bradley being the playmaker in midfield, hopefully freeing Diskarud to join Johansson and Agudelo up front on the attack.
Germany: Ron-Robert Zieler (G); Sebastian Rudy (DM), Shkodran Mustafi (D), Antonio Rüdiger (D), Jonas Hector (D); Bastian Schweinsteiger (M), IIkay Gündogan (M); Patrick Herrmann (M), Mesut Özil (M/F), Andre Schürrle (F); Mario Götze (M/F).
USA: Brad Guzan (G); Timothy Chandler (D), Ventura Alvarado (D), John Brooks (D), Fabian Johnson (D); Danny Williams (D/M), Gyasi Zardes (F), Mix Diskerud (M/F), Michael Bradley (M); Aron Johannsson (F), Juan Agudelo (F).
On the first 10 minutes of the game the US actually looked very good and strong, as confidence seemed to be growing by the minute. Although a few shots and chances created by the Germans also, a very close miss by Diskerud on the (10’) that went slightly over.
2 minutes later, a fantastic play from 1st timer Herrmann, gave Germany the lead. He drew 3 American players to the right, then found Gotze wide open on the left and passed the ball to him from within the box. A great finish from the latter gives Germany the 1st goal of the match.
Germany 1 – 0 USA
A very impressive German side made things difficult for the USA. Still, although Germany controlled possession in the 1st half, the Americans did create chances. One in which Michal Bradley had the ball on the wide right and served it across with a brilliant and accurate kick across the pitch to Mix Diskerud. Mix positioned himself and lowered the ball with his chest, then with a scissor kick fired with this right foot into goal (40’).
Germany 1 – 1 USA
On the second half went on with Team US working hard and trying their best, although still inferior in skill and possession than Germany – who seemed almost content with a draw. However similar to the match vs. Holland earlier this week, the US fought to the end and reaped the rewards.
Brad Evans passed to Bobby Wood at the edge of the box. Wood kept his composure, and turned around to position himself perfectly – firing a left-footed low, powerful ball into the German net (87’).
Germany 1 – 2 USA
To sum up, the German team seemed to have gone into vacation mode, and still have 1 last game in the Euro Qualifiers against Gibraltar before going into their real summer break.
The US in the meantime, got this week a huge boost of confidence going into the gold Cup. And based on how Team US played tonight and the momentum they are building, they may become a powerful side with home advantage.
