DHAKA: Jurgen Klinsmann's side are through to the second round of the World Cup despite losing to Joachim Low's charges USA progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup despite going down 1-0 to Germany on Thursday.

Thomas Muller continued his phenomenal World Cup form to seal top spot for Germany in Group G, while Portugal's 2-1 win over Ghana in Brasilia meant the USA progressed on goal difference at the expense of Paulo Bento's men.

Bayern Munich forward Muller claimed the Golden Boot in South Africa four years ago and scored a hat-trick in Germany's emphatic 4-0 opening win over Portugal this time around.

And 10 minutes after half-time in a rain-lashed Recife, Muller netted superbly from 18 yards, chalking up his ninth finals goal.

A draw at the Arena Pernambuco would have ensured progression for Germany and USA regardless of events in the capital, but any fears of collusion were brushed aside by a keenly contested affair - which briefly appeared under threat earlier in the day as torrential rain flooded roads in the surrounding area.

Joachim Low handed Lukas Podolski a first start of the tournament on the left side of his attack and the Arsenal forward blazed over in the second minute, as Germany pinned back their opponents during the opening stages.

Omar Gonzalez, preferred at centre-back to Geoff Cameron by USA coach Jurgan Klinsmann, made a vital 14th-minute interception when Muller looked set to convert Jerome Boateng's low cross.

But the USA grew into the game as a counter-attacking force and Graham Zusi arched a shot narrowly over from the left corner of the box midway through the first half.

By the time Tim Howard shovelled a Mesut Ozil effort to safety in the 34th minute, following a shimmying run from the Arsenal man, a more even contest had developed, although that was at the expense of the earlier intensity.

Source: Goal.com

BDST: 0050 HRS, JUN 27, 2014