FIFA World Cup 2014 Germany v/s USA: Germany win 1-0; progress to last 16 along with USA

The final whistle has sounded and Germany have beaten USA 1-0. They qualify top of Group G, and USA qualify second. USA will probably play Belgium in the Round of 16, assuming Belgium top the group in the match against South Korea tonight.

It's official! Portugal win 2-1 against Ghana but crash out due to a poorer goal difference. Germany and USA have thus qualified for the last 16, even though the pointless match still goes on!

We're into extra time in this match - four minutes. A bit too long, as both teams have virtually qualified. Portugal need 3 goals in no time in the match against Ghana to qualify, so USA and Germany are through now.

Portugal-Ghana is now 1-1, and it's becoming certain that Portugal are crashing out. Meanwhile, Germany are 1-0 in the lead against USA. Thomas Muller scored for Germany in the 55th minute. It's now 9 goals in 9 World Cup games for Thomas Muller. He moves level with Messi and Neymar as the top scorer in this World Cup. 

Here's the Vine Video:

Fantastic goal by Müller! #GER 1-0 #USA https://t.co/kpS3mGaacn

— Football Vines (@FootballVines) June 26, 2014

And here's the referee with a shoulder on a USA player. Crazy! He rear-ended Jones accidentally, and then gave a sheepish smile.

Seriously. RT @SBNationGIF: Out of the way, ref. https://t.co/jCwQHVR7x1

— GuardianUS (@GuardianUS) June 26, 2014

USA and Germany are 0-0 at half time. If this score sustains, both the teams will go through to the knockouts, and Portugal's efforts will come to nought. Portugal are 1-0 up at half time against Ghana, but that is due to an own goal by Ghana!

The lineups for the two teams are out: 

#GER LINE-UP: Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Podolski, Muller, Lahm (c), Mertesacker, Kroos, Boateng #USAGER #WorldCup

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2014

#USA LINE-UP: Howard, Gonzalez, Bradley, Besler, Beasley, Dempsey (c), Jones, Davis, Beckerman, Zusi, Johnson #USAGER #WorldCup #joinin

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2014

 Both USA and Germany will go through to the Round of 16 in case of a draw. However, Germany are firm favourites and therefore it is USA who will have to work harder towards this draw. Here's the complete match preview

Here's the Germany team profile

Left back or right back? It doesn’t matter. He might not be the tallest, or quickest, player on the pitch, but Philip Lahm is right up there amongst the world’s best defenders. Lahm, who started his career with the under-19 side in 2002, is one of the few Germans with more than 100 international caps to his name. One of the first names on Joachim Loew’s teamsheet, Lahm is set to lead the ‘Die Mannschaft’ in what will be his third World Cup. After back-to-back third-place finishes, can Lahm ensure Germany go all the way in Brazil? Read the complete Philip Lahm profile here

Miroslav Klose has equalled Brazilian legend Ronaldo's record of 15 World Cup goals, and will surely be looking to break it tonight. Here's Klose's player profile

Mesut Ozil was a surprise inclusion in Loew’s 2010 World Cup Squad, after an injury to then captain Michael Ballack. He went on to shine in the games and soon shot to fame with his transfer to Real Madrid. But it will not be an easy feat for him and the Germans, having to face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal as well as Ghana and the USA in a relatively tough group. Here is his player profile

Ever since he made his debut in 2004, Schweini has been an ever-present member of the German side. Having moved into a central role, he has not looked back and Germany coach Joachim Loew has dubbed him "the brain" of the national team. Read Schweini's player profile

USA were off to a good start when they won against Ghana. But despite a good start, USA drew 2-2 against Portugal. Silvestre Varela equalized for Portugal in the dying stages of the match. USA are leveled on points with Germany. Jürgen Klinsmann's men require one point to confirm a spot in the Round-of-16, however if they win, they secure the top spot of the Group G. Here's the USA team profile