World Cup: USA vs Germany preview

Both sides know that a draw is all that they need in Recife on Thursday to secure their places in the last sixteen at the World Cup. Germany and USA are tied on four points before the final Group G matches but Germany are top thanks to their superior goal difference. Bastian Schweinsteiger could be included in the German starting line-up for this match, with Philipp Lahm reverting a full-back position or even to the substitutes bench. The USA, coached by former Germany international Jurgen Klinsmann, will continue to be without Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore because of a hamstring injury. A draw would suit both teams but coach Klinsmann says his side will play to win even that means risking the qualification: “We will go to Recife and we will give everything to beat Germany. That is our goal.” Probable starting line-ups: USA: Howard - Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley - Beckerman, Jones - Bedoya, Bradley, Zusi - Dempsey Germany: Neuer - Howedes, Hummels, Mertesacker, Lahm - Schweinsteiger, Khedira - Ozil, Kroos, Gotze - Muller My prediction: A 1-1 draw should suit both teams just fine. Here are the odds for the match at Bet365: USA win - 19/2 Draw - 2/1 Germany win - 4/6