World Cup 2014: USA vs Germany LIVE STREAM: A Win for the United States Would Be Hugely Significant
ByThe U.S. national soccer team's World Cup match against Germany Thursday will determine the Group G champion and may decide whether the Americans proceed to the round of 16.
"It's massive," U.S. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann said on the eve of the encounter, according to the Washington Post.
CLICK HERE to watch the game online via WatchESPN. Kickoff is scheduled 12 p.m. ET, but coverage will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Germany, which has won three World Cups since 1990, has one of the world's best national soccer teams. Only Brazil and Italy have won more World Cups than Germany, ABC News reported. They team has already scored six goals in their first two games this year.
The match against Germany will be no walk in the park for Team USA. However, the American team can advance, even with a loss.
The match is so "massive" that Klinsmann has created a permission slip for U.S. soccer enthusiasts to hand to their bosses so that they could ditch work in favor of watching the midday game. The slip is complete with a message from the coach and his signature.
"I understand that this absence may reduce the productivity of your workplace, but I can assure you that it is for an important cause. The #USMNT has a critical World Cup game vs. Germany and we will need the full support of the nation if we are to advance to the next round," Klinsmann wrote.
If that doesn't work people can opt for the well-timed lunch.
"I have gone to lunch at a close by sports bar with colleagues to check out matches," Christine from West Palm Beach, Fla., told CNNMoney. "Our method is to leave work right when the first half is ending so we can catch the second half and see how the match finishes."
Many people told CNNMoney that they will be watching the match on the ESPN app, "even if they have to hide it under their desk, behind papers or in a well-placed bag."
"I work a cubicle and will have my mobile under my monitor so only I can see," said Edwin from Arizona.
According to Weather.com, temperature will reach the high 70s. Torrential rains hit ahead of the pivotal game and may continue during the match.