Group G decider brings mixed feelings for German-born US players
When the United States walk onto the pitch in Recife to face Germany on Friday morning, several US players will experience a range of emotions.
The match will decide the winners of Group G.
After all, players like Frankfurt born-and-bred Jermaine Jones, who had plied his trade in the Bundesliga before moving to Turkish club Besiktas in January, will be up against the country they grew up in.
They even harboured hopes of representing Germany as youngsters.
Jones, born to an American father and German mother, said he will close his eyes, "let everything go through" and then focus on his game when both anthems play.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who has played for Germany in three friendlies, has no qualms about his decision to represent the US.
Proud of both countries
He said: "I always say that I'm proud of both countries. I grew up in Germany and they gave me a lot. I took my first steps there and I played my first games and first leagues there.
"I'm not going to say bad things about Germany, I have a lot of friends in Germany.
"Everything is good and everything happens for a reason."
Apart from Jones, the US have four other German-Americans among their ranks - John Brooks, Fabian Johnson, Timothy Chandler and Julian Green - while coach Jurgen Klinsmann played for and coached Die Mannschaft.
With Portugal and Ghana squaring off in the other Group G match with a point each, a draw will be enough for the US and Germany to advance to the next round as both teams are on four points.
The final group matches in Group H will also be played on Friday.
Algeria and Russia fight it out to see which team advance to the knockout stages with Belgium, who face the South Koreans.
Source: AFP
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now