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The United States suffered a 1-0 defeat against Germany , but despite the result and the downpours in Recife, their spirits couldn't be dampened as they advanced to the knock-out phase of the World Cup.
A draw would have ensured that both sides progressed to the next phase - but amid fears the teams could collude with one another (something heightened by the fact the United States are coached by former Germany international Jurgen Klinsmann) were rubbished.
More of the chances fell to Germany but it was that man Thomas Mueller once again who broke the deadlock with his fourth goal of the tournament after 55 minutes.
The United States were unable to bring things level despite two chances in injury time, one of which fell to Clint Dempsey. But with Portugal unable to swing the goal difference, the United States head into the Round of 16 as runners-up behind Germany.
United States 0 Germany 1 player ratingsShow all 22 1 /22United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Tim Howard Safe pair of hands and little chance with the goal, although perhaps at fault for pushing it toward Mueller. 5/10
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Fabian Johnson Coped well with the direct running of Podolski. 6
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings DaMarcus Beasley Defended well and got forward whenever the chance arose. 6
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Omar Gonzalez Recovered from an early mistake to make a series of important challenges. 7
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Matt Besler Defended resolutely alongside Gonzalez. 6
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Jermaine Jones A muscular and energetic presence in midfield. 7
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Graham Zusi Fought hard but lacked a final ball. 6
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Kyle Beckerman Screened the defence well but was left with a lot to do. 7
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Michael Bradley A mixed bag of inconsistent passing and tackling. 6
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Brad Davis Struggled to make an impact before being subbed early in the second half. 5
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Clint Dempsey An isolated figure up front with little service. 6
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Manuel Neuer Little to do but always alert and excellent distribution. 7
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Jerome Boateng Provided much needed width from right back. 7
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Benedikt Howedes Comfortable on the ball but not a natural full back. 6
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Per Mertesacker Barely broke a sweat, but didn’t need to. 6
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Mats Hummels Rarely troubled but alert when needed. 7
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Philipp Lahm A classy presence in midfield, kept Germany ticking with his passing. 8
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Bastian Schweinsteiger Relatively quiet and looked a touch off the pace. 6
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Toni Kroos Slick in possession and always a threat. 7
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Mesut Ozil Some nice touches but failed to impose himself on the game. 6
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Thomas Muller Floated all over the pitch and, inevitably, got on the scoresheet. 7
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United States 0 Germany 1 player ratings Lukas Podolski Failed to get in to the game and was substituted at half time. 5
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Who do you think was the man of the match? Let us know in the comments below.
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