The U.S. Men's National Team can clinch a berth in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Thursday when they take on Germany at 11 a.m. CT in Recife, Brazil. The match will broadcast live on ESPN and Univision and can be heard locally on Sports Radio 810 WHB.
With a win or a draw, the USMNT will clinch their second consecutive berth in the Round of 16 and will mark the fifth time the squad has advanced out of the group stage. If Germany defeats USMNT on Thursday, the fate of Jurgen Klinsmann's side will be determined at the conclusion of the Portugal / Ghana game, which will be played at the same time.
The USMNT is currently tied for first place in Group G with four points. John Anthony Brooks' 86th-minute goal gave the Americans a 2-1 win over Ghana in their group stage opener. The second match saw no shortage of drama as the USMNT came-from-behind to take a 2-1 lead over Portugal, only to see the lead slip away in the 95th minute when Silvestre Varela headed a Cristiano Ronaldo cross past Tim Howard to level the match.
Sporting Kansas City's Matt Besler and Graham Zusi have featured in both matches for the United States at the FIFA World Cup. Besler exited the first match at halftime due to a tight hamstring, but played the full match against Portugal. Zusi came off the bench against Ghana and recorded the game-winning assist on Brook's goal. The two-time MLS All-Star recorded another assist against Portugal before subbing off in the first minute of stoppage time.
Against Portugal, Besler and Zusi became the first pair of MLS teammates since 2002 to start a World Cup match for the same team.
Kansas City fans are invited to watch Thursday's match at the Kansas City Power and Light District. More than 13,000 fans were in attendance to watch the previous match against Portugal. There is also a VIP package available at Mosaic Lounge. For $20, fans receive four domestic beers, inside and outside viewing opportunities as well as other amenities. Click here to purchase.
