Cape Town - Germany play the US in their final Group G encounter in Recife at 6pm (SA time) knowing that a draw would guarantee both teams a place in the last 16.
At the same time, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will be playing Ghana in Brasilia with both countries needing a victory to try to leapfrog either Germany or USA.
The well-documented friendship between Germany coach Joachim Loew and his US counterpart Jurgen Klinsmann, who preceded Loew in the Mannschaft hot-seat, when the latter was his assistant, has served only to heighten speculation that a deal could be arranged.
But both coaches have dismissed any such notion.
"That doesn't mean anything for my team," said Loew who has been repeatedly questioned about the 'Shame of Gijon'.
Both coaches insist they are going for a win to top the group.
"At the end of the day it is a beautiful game of football and I hope everyone will enjoy it," said Klinsmann, who has five German born players in his squad.