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Your daily World Cup tip sheet for who's playing when, and what to watch for. We'll deliver a new briefing the evening before every game day, highlighting the can't-miss match and which players to watch.

Match of the day: United States vs. Germany

Group G has delivered all of the excitement, intrigue and quality play you expect from a “Group of Death.” All four teams are still alive entering the final day of group play, so either match is well worth your time. That said, the Jürgen Klinsmann storyline running through the U.S. – Germany clash is just too good to ignore. A former national team hero who scored three goals to help West Germany win the 1990 World Cup, Klinsmann also coached the national team to third place at the 2006 tournament. Now he’s in charge of the U.S. men’s national program, leading a scrappy, determined bunch that has fought hard to put itself in position to reach the knockout stage. Standing in the way is the German side Klinsmann has so much history with. Also of note: five American players – Jermaine Jones, John Brooks, Fabian Johnson, Timmy Chandler and Julian Green – have German passports. A draw here would see both sides get through, eliminating Portugal and Ghana.

Julio Cortez / AP

Player to watch: U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley

The recent Toronto FC signing has not had a stellar tournament. He struggled with his possession and passing in the opener against Ghana, failed to convert a glorious chance against Portugal early in the second half and turned the ball over on the play that ended with the tying goal in stoppage time. He needs to have a big game for the Americans to get the result they need.

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