[Basel A]

An American win would make it much easier to advance into the quarterfinals. 2nd place in the group will likely play Belgium in the next round, whereas the group leader will probably play Russia or Algeria. Belgium has looked out-of-sorts but they're 2-0 and I wouldn't want to be in the way once they hit their stride. So I don't entirely agree that a draw would be mutually beneficial.

While a tie is fine for the USA, I think they should (and will) try to go out and win it. Particularly because I think Portugal will beat Ghana and America will advance whatever their result against Germany.

This US squad have a lot to prove, both because the USMNT typically stinks and because they're relatively inexperienced on the international stage. They'll want to take it to an elite team like Germany. I predict Germany 1 - 0 USA