Pitted against the Germans tonight in a match that is sure to be tense and exciting, Jermaine Jones fights a personal and professional battle today. Born to an American father and a German mother, Jones played for German clubs in his youth and started his senior career with them as well. Sensing better opportunities with the Americans, however, Jermaine made a full-fledged transfer to the USA and never looked back.
He has played a strong and aggressive game in the past two matches and has been crucial in securing the second spot in their group right below Germany, with the same 4 points. A defending midfielder, Jermaine has showed immense promise with attack as well. He has proven crucial in breaking the oppositional defence so as to clear way and allow the American strikers to score. He and captain Clint Dempsey have shared an excellent partnership this World Cup, one which has been the main reason for America’s success so far.
The 32-year old player is anything but tired and seems to come alive on the field. He realises that playing smooth and safe is not a brilliant option, especially when the opposite team’s defence comes up like an impenetrable wall. Though criticised for his rough play, he has picked up only one yellow card so far against Portugal for tackling Moutinho midfield, and only because he sensed a building attack from the Portuguese.
Facing their biggest challenge so far in Group G, the Americans have to pull all stops if they are to win this match. If Jermaine Jones holds his partnership with Dempsey and if the American defence can gold back the likes of Thomas Mueller and Klose, then perhaps the American can secure their position to the next round by topping their group.
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