Jurgen Klinsmann takes jab at Mexico in Portugal press conference

Jun 21, 2014; Manaus, BRAZIL; USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann during a press conference prior to training at Arena Amazonia. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The United States Men’s National Team’s 2-2 draw against Portugal in one of the greatest group stage matches in the history of America’s history in the World Cup may not have prevented the USMNT from advancing into the knockout rounds despite holding onto a 2-1 lead with under 30 seconds of added time after Cristiano Ronaldo’s assist led to a split of the points. However the draw has set up an intriguing storyline leading up to the United States final group stage match with Germany, a match where both countries could see themselves through to the knockout rounds with a draw.

While a draw wouldn’t get manager Jurgen Klinsmann first place in Group G, it would arguably satisfy both Klinsmann and German manager Jogi Low enough that naturally suggestions both former coaching partners with the German National Team could collude to settle for a draw on Thursday. Both managers have denied any suggestions of not playing for the win, expected with a chance at three points on the line for both parties.

However Klinsmann couldn’t help put to take a stab at his new rivals in Mexico when making it clear that the Americans will be going for the three points at all costs come the time the manager collides with his home country as well as former colleagues and players. Klinsmann told reporters following the match against Portugal that the Americans give it all in every match regardless of the situation, noting that if they didn’t put in a full effort against Panama in CONCACAF qualifying when they came from behind in Panama to win 3-2 and save the Mexicans from missing out on the World Cup after they lost 2-1 to Costa Rica.

Klinsmann’s quotes leading up to the World Cup may have raised eyebrows when he downplayed the chances of a United States World Cup win drawing criticism from Michael Wilbon who told the German soccer legend to “leave the country,” but with two promising results in Brazil and a tongue in cheek shot in the much hated El Tri there is a lot to love about Jurgen right now. If the Americans can pull of another historic result in “The Group of Death” against Germany there is a chance that Klinsmann may go down as the greatest USMNT manager before a knockout round game is even played.

At the very least his comments are now inspiring a nation and earning popularity points to match the popularity he is gaining in managing the USMNT to one point away from the knockout stages against all odds. If his press conference is any indication, Klinsmann is making sure that the Americans don’t settle for a chance of a draw and will be going for the upset when they face the high powered Germans.