Team News: Lukas Podolski starts for Germany against USA

Germany have decided to start Lukas Podolski in attack as they take on the USA in their final Group G game at the World Cup this afternoon.

The Arsenal man comes in to replace Mario Gotze, who drops to the bench, while the Germans have also brought Bastian Schweinsteiger back into their starting XI.

Meanwhile, the Americans have opted to put their faith in Clint Dempsey as they seek just a point to gain qualification.

The USA will pivot around Kyle Beckerman, who will hold the centre of midfield, with attacking support supplied by the likes of Graham Zusi.

USA: Howard; Johnson, Beasley, Jones, Gonzalez, Besler, Zusi, Beckerman, Dempsey, Bradley, Davis Subs: Yedlin, Brooks, Jóhannsson, Diskerud, Bedoya, Guzan, Green, Wondolowski, Cameron, Chandler, Rimando

© Getty Images

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Höwedes, Lahm, Mertesacker, Hummels, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Müller, Ozil, Podolski Subs: Groskreutz, Ginter, Khedira, Schürrle, Klose, Zieler, Draxler, Durm, Gotze, Mustafi, Weidenfeller, Kramer

© Getty Images