Would US have tied or beaten Germany with Donovan?

[Aquavit]

3. Maybe, but...

I don't mean to be "that guy," but Germany didn't go into this tournament hoping Klinsmann would somehow help them advance through his team selection. The Germans are a team that has contested three WC semifinals in a row and has never once failed to advance out of the group stage. A healthy majority of the German team have either contested or won the UEFA Champions League final in 3 of the last 5 seasons. They are ranked #2 in the world right now, and for very good reason.

I'm pleasantly surprised by the play of the US team so far in the tournament, but I don't believe that Donovan would really have that much impact on either their chances against Germany or on their ultimate fortunes in the tournament. He's a creative player, but his team has to have the ball in order for him to make a difference. Klinsmann's tactics didn't really force the possession issue at all against the Germans, and ultimately I think that's the reason the Americans lost the match.