The Brazil World Cup concluded the group stage on Thursday with the main event. Germany taking on the USA in Group G. The headlines heading in focused on Jurgen Klinsmann, as the former German icon. Now the coach of the American side was facing his own country. A draw would send both sides into the knock-out stages.
Klinsmann hoping to lead the Americans out of the tough Group G. Klinsmann would see his USA fall behind in the 55th. Thomas Muller found the back of the net for the fourth time in Brazil. The 24-year-old has now scored eight career World Cup goals. And that would be it for scoring .Germany would hold on to beat the United States 1-0, but the USA will be moving on.. Thanks to goal differential.
The other match of the group saw Portugal against Ghana. Portugal opened things thanks to a John Boye’s own goal, but Asamoah Gyan levelled. His sixth career World Cup goal means he is now the highest-scoring African in finals history.
And Cristiano Ronaldo would give Portugal the lead and they would take the 2-1, but they are heading home. The win over Ghana was enough for Portugal to move level with the USA on points, but the Americans goal differential sees them through.
On the standing of Group G, Germany win the group with seven points. The USA make the knock-out stages with four points. Portugal also have four points but bow out on goal difference. Ghana are bottom of the group with only one point.
In Group H, leaders Belgium faced South Korea. The Europeans suffered a blow before the half as Steven Defour was sent off for a nasty two-footed challenge.
But they proved better side against the Asians. Jan Vertonghen scored the only goal of the match 13 minutes from time to complete a perfect Group Stage for Belgium. South Korea bowed out after suffering the 1-0 loss.
The other match of Group H saw Russia take on Algeria. The Russians took the lead through Alexander Kokorin and could advance if the score stood to the final. But Algeria levelled thanks to Islam Slimani’s header in the 60th...and they would hold off Russia the rest of the way. The African side, qualifying for the last 16 for the first time.
We now take a look at the final structure of the group...Belgium win the group with three wins out of three games. Algeria also qualify for the knock-out round with four points. Russia bow out with South Korea. The Koreans haven’t won a match in Brazil and rounded off a miserable tournament for the four Asian sides. The Koreans combined with Australia, Japan and Iran fail to muster a single victory, and all finish bottom of their groups.
In the last 16, we’ll see the Germans against Algeria. Klinsmann’s USA will face up against Belgium to fight for a spot in the quarter-finals.