This Will be the Third Time America Beats Germany...or Ties Them...

Except this time, it's not a war.

I'm not sure whether we've been infiltrated by a German spy or we've turned Klinsmann into a full-blown defector, but either way, there should be no stopping #USMNT from at least earning a draw today and advancing to the Round of 16.

Last time we played Germany in such an important World Cup match, they got through by the skin of their teeth with a clear handball on the line to save an American goal.



While I don't expect FIFA to referee the match any more fairly and certainly don't expect any gifts like Germany got in 2002, I would love to get some referee retribution (or maybe save it for some later rounds).

I think USA will come out aggressively, and then the game can either explode wide open with full-fledged attacking by both sides if a goal is scored, or it will die down into a quiet match with both sides content to save their players from injury and advance to fight another day. The one thing USA should not do is sit back and pack their side of the midfield waiting for Germany to attack. We should play a 4-5-1, with Bradley in an attacking position and rely on smart counters.

Meanwhile, I hope Jozy Altidore is getting some great hamstring massages so that we can hopefully have him back for the knockout rounds.

Hilarious Reactions to Suarez Biting

The cover of the New York Post said "EATALY" in all caps with a picture of the bite marks. That had to be my personal favorite.

However, here are some of my favorite Twitter reactions in the aftermath:

What we see vs. What Suarez sees.. | pic.twitter.com/jhGgL4mW8e
— 2014 World Cup (@2014WorIdCup) June 25, 2014

Suarez's wife: Honey, dinner is ready. Suarez: Don't worry baby, I ate at work.
— CLITT TOREZ (@guy_kwame) June 25, 2014

I guess any part of the body is up for eating.
— Evander Holyfield (@holyfield) June 24, 2014

Suarez! Your teeth are already prominent, stop biting people! It's like @GaryLineker attacking people with his ears.
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) June 24, 2014

"Suarez Bit My Finger" LOOOOOOL I'm finished http://t.co/IWvIEswmzg
— Luke (@MrSlapYourself) June 25, 2014

BRAND NEW PRANK! Did you think Luis Suárez is the only soccer player using his teeth? THINK AGAIN!... http://t.co/YyPQkhdpMK
— The Dudesons (@The_Dudesons) June 25, 2014

BREAKING NEWS: Luis Suarez has left Liverpool to join Borussia Munchonyourcentreback
— Max B (@mbas1969) June 25, 2014

He cheats, He dives, He'll eat your hands and thighs, Luis Suarez, Luis Suarez!
— The Daily Lad (@The_Daily_Lad) June 25, 2014

Luis Suarez is putting his evidence/excuses to FIFA right about now...#BrazilNuts pic.twitter.com/UqBSYsUWCb
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) June 25, 2014

On a serious note, it's a pretty scummy thing to do and he should be kicked out of the World Cup and banned for dozens of games for his actions. Liverpool should also fine him if they have the stomach to do it because of how poorly this reflects on the club. I must say, though, I've had people do much worse things to me playing soccer and get away with it. Some really weird things happen in South Florida while people are scrambling for position on set pieces...

Heartbreaking Draw

The USMNT has really earned the respect and admiration of the country after the grit and dedication they showed in the win(s) (well, win and almost win) against Ghana and Portugal. I am teeming with confidence that we can achieve a good result against Germany and advance to the knockout round. The worst part of that gut-punch goal in the last three seconds of stoppage time was that it prevents our guys from getting some much-needed rest against Germany. Now, we really have to give our all to that game.

While the media wanted to play the blame game with Michael Bradley on that last-gasp goal by Cristiano Ronaldo, I don't have any interest in doing that. Bradley played his heart out, and was simply out-muscled for the ball. He did what he should have done in trying to keep possession and force a foul; if his first touch didn't betray him, he would have definitely had the presence of mind to kick the ball far away or out of bounds rather than turn it over. He shouldn't be faulted for that. The first goal, though, was totally inexcusable. 

The way in which we dominated our match-ups with supposedly superior individual players was truly impressive. Ronaldo didn't do anything worthwhile all game, except for his ridiculously perfect cross into the box with about 4 seconds left before the final whistle blew. 

His hair was perfectly gelled throughout, though, so you have to give him credit for that. 

Compared to Portugal, we looked like a team rather than a collection of individuals. There's a good chance we come out and attack Germany and get them (or their B-Squad) on their heels. If Ghana could earn a draw and get plenty of chances against them, there is no reason that we shouldn't be able to achieve a similar result. 

Nate Silver has the U.S.'s chances of advancing somewhere around 75.8%. My only fear is that Ghana just runs away with the game against Portugal because they are a vastly superior side physically and Portugal is still blighted by injury. Hopefully, Ronaldo will have a game that lives up to his billing and the team will take some pride in getting a good result against Ghana before they suffer an ignominious exit from the Cup.

If the U.S. can advance as the 1 seed somehow, that would set up an ideal matchup against someone from the Belgium and Russia group. I'd be confident in #USMNT against either of those teams, but would love to see us up against Russia. The problem is that we would have to face someone like Argentina in the next round. Given their recent form and near-inability to close out against Iran, we shouldn't have too much fear of them either.