Klinsmann denies a tie deal with Loew

Rio de Janeiro, June 24 (IANS/EFE) US coach Jurgen Klinsmann has dismissed rumours that the Americans and the Germans would play for a draw in their last group game that would assure a smooth passage for both the teams to the knock-out stage of the World Cup.

A draw would ensure that Ghana and Portugal will leave Brazil regardless of the result of their game, reports EFE.

Klinsmann denied that he has not entered into a pact with his compatriot compatriot and German coach Joachim Loew for a draw. Loew was an assistant to Klinsmann, who was the German coach in 2006.

"That will not happen. Loew will do his job and I'll do mine. Everyone will try to do what they have to do to reach the knockout stage," Klinsmann said in a press conference Monday.

"I want to win because I do not think that we made for the draws, unless it happens like today, a goal in the last second. We will fight for the victory against Germany. That's what we want, and then we'll see how it goes," said the German tactician.

In 1982, West Germany and Austria were critcised after the former didn't take any goalscoring initiative after taking a 1-0 lead in their last group game. The result kept both Algeria and Chile out and assured West Germany and Austria's qualification to the second round.

--IANS/EFE

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