United States head coach Jurgen Klinsmann says he will be
treating their opening FIFA World Cup game just like a knockout fixture.
The USA kick off their World Cup campaign against Group G
opponents Ghana on June 16, followed by clashes with powerhouse nations Germany
and Portugal.
With pre-tournament favourites Germany and Portugal
tipped to advance from the group stages Brazil, Klinsmann understands there is
a lot riding on the USA's match against Ghana in Natal.
Speaking to former USA international Alexi Lalas in an
interview on ESPN FC on Friday, Klinsmann said: "It's pretty much just
like a knockout game anyways.
"We know if we can get the three points (against)
Ghana we put ourselves in a very good position for the next game against
Portugal in Manaus, in the Amazon.
"Therefore it is very, very crucial we have a good
start."
Meanwhile, the German boss has backed youngster Julian
Green to make an impact at the showpiece event when called upon.
Green, 18, was a surprise inclusion in Klinsmann's final
23-man squad, having only made his international debut against Mexico in an
international friendly in April.
But Klinsmann, who controversially overlooked Landon
Donovan for the World Cup finals, has full faith in the Bayern Munich striker.
"We believe in as of today that if we have to bring
him he will be able to make a difference and he has the talent and he has the
guts to do that," he said.
"And we believe in him that he just goes now and
every day being into camp and therefore he deserves to be in the group of
players."
The USA have two more international friendlies against
Turkey (June 1) and Nigeria (June 7) before flying out to Brazil.
Culled from Soccerway
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