The United States and Germany face off Thursday in their final group stage match of the 2014 World Cup. The game is scheduled for a 12:00 p.m. (EST) start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the odds for the match have Germany listed as massive favorites to win.

The Americans were so close to beating Portugal and qualifying for the knockout stage. Now they have to hope for a draw with this Germany club that is one of the best in the world. Both the Germans and Americans can advance if they draw in this matchup, but the oddsmakers have made Germany a massive favorite in this one. Both teams have already clinched four points in the group stages.

In the opposite match in this group we see Ghana and Portugal going at it. Both have just one point and a victory by either could knock either Germany or the United States out. But that seems very unlikely as both of those clubs are in the negatives for goal differential, especially Ghana at -4. Portugal sits at -1 in goal differential while the Americans are at +1 for the group stages. Yet, a Germany victory and a Portugal win could cause some problems for the United States as they would then go to the tiebreak situation. In other words, as long as the Americans don't get beat by three goals they're probably in a good position.

American strikers Jozy Altidore has officially been labeled as "out" for this game against the Germans, but he could return for the knockout stage. The United States might not need him on the pitch, especially if both of these clubs are comfortable moving ahead with a draw. But in competitive soccer we expect both to try and win this contest. That's where the Americans will have to be careful.

Clint Dempsey has been a man on a mission for the Americans — scoring in both group stage matches with a broken nose. He'll have his hands full with the center-backs for the Germans in this one. Reports out of the German camp are that they are focused on beating up on the Americans and claiming a victory for themselves to ensure the top spot in the group stage. That's entirely possible as Germany is one of the best teams in the world, but this United States team has been playing focused futbol.

This match is being played in Recife. Ghana already showcased a blueprint of how to hang with the Germans and we expect the United States to play it safe to the chest and do whatever they can not to get blown out in this one. We're expecting a draw as both teams will score and at times play to win, but eventually settle for a tie.

Free Pick: Germany 2, United States 2

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