USA and Germany Aim for Perfect Group Stage as Dutch Seek Knockout Berth

Co-hosts the United States and Germany are looking to finish their World Cup group stage perfectly on Thursday. The Netherlands and Japan also hope to reach the last 32.

The US have secured the top spot in Group D with one game left after beating Paraguay and Australia. They will play against Turkey, who have already been eliminated, in Los Angeles.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino plans to rest some players. He said it was “unnecessary to take a risk” with players like Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, and Folarin Balogun. These players could face suspension if they get another yellow card.

Forward Christian Pulisic is back after a calf injury. He has only played 45 minutes in the tournament so far. Pulisic wants the US to keep pushing forward.

“Going into the knockout rounds will definitely feel better with a win,” Pulisic said. “We don’t necessarily need a win, but it’s a World Cup game, and we all want to give our best and do well.”

The US have not made it to the quarter-finals since 2002. But their strong start has raised hopes they can go far in the tournament at home.

In Santa Clara, Australia and Paraguay will fight for second place. A draw would help Australia because of their better goal difference. But it might still send Paraguay through too.

Germany have already secured their place as winners of Group E after beating Curacao and Ivory Coast. They are putting behind them the first-round exits they faced in the last two World Cups.

The four-time champions will face Ecuador, who need a win to stay in the tournament. Ivory Coast should finish second in their group, expected to beat first-timers Curacao. Curacao held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw last time out.

In Kansas City, the Netherlands will meet a struggling Tunisia team. Tunisia has lost their last two matches by four goals and has fired their coach after the first game.

Herve Renard was brought in after Sabri Lamouchi was sacked following a 5-1 loss to Sweden. But Renard's arrival did not help Tunisia, as they lost 4-0 to Japan and got knocked out.

Japan are tied with the Netherlands on four points before their game against Sweden in Arlington. After starting the World Cup strong, Sweden suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat against the Dutch.