BERLIN, June 25 -- When Joachim Loew and Germany meet Juergen Klinsmann and Team USA in the final group match on Thursday, it will in no way be just another World Cup match. It's even more than a battle for three points.

As the clear favorites, the Germans will have to improve on their weak performance against Ghana (2-2). They will also be looking to prove that they are not only tactically but physically the better team.

Klinsmann will on the other hand be trying to prove his detractors wrong by showing that his tactical brain is as equally as good as his former assistant Loew.

The decisive tactical hot-spot will be at the heart of midfield but not only there as the flanks will also be vital. It will be a battle of two masterminds, despite many World Cup games that have been decided by physical fitness.

Against Team USA, Germany's game will have to show greater metal on the wings and in midfield as the USA will no doubt concentrate on pressurizing German captain Philipp Lahm who is the centre of much debate in Germany.

Former captain Michael Ballack said the German team is weaker with Lahm in defensive midfield and that the 30-year-old would be much more valuable as a right back. Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho thinks the same. But Loew will stick to Lahm in midfield and again play with four central defenders at the back despite their weakness going forward.

MORE DRIVE WITH SCHWEINSTEIGER

But Loew possibly wants to create more drive in midfield by replacing Sami Khedira with Bastian Schweinsteiger who will have a slightly more attacking role to play.

Germans can't afford to give the ball away so often in the centre of the park. Schweinsteiger, Toni Koos and Lahm will have to go forward more and get to grips with the more physical game of the Americans.

Against Ghana, Schweinsteiger gave his team a much needed structure - but only in the last 20 minutes when he was sent on as a substitute.

FIGHT TO CONTROL MIDFIELD

Despite everything, Loew insists on his team having more possession than Klinsmann who allows his team more freedom in midfield and down the flanks. Therefore Germany will have to take control of any space appearing in midfield and be on the alert for any US counterattacks. The final group game is likely to be the most intense so far for both teams.