US halts work for Germany clash --- Parts of the US came to a standstill as people took time out from work to watch their team's crucial World Cup match against Germany. -- Despite losing 1-0 to one of the giants of world football, USA advanced through the so-called Group of Death to the knock-out stages. -- A record 24.7 million Americans tuned in for Sunday's 2-2 draw with Portugal, but Thursday's game was during the day. -- USA's German coach, Jurgen Klinsmann, tweeted a "get out of work letter" -- In it, he said: "I understand that this absence may reduce the productivity of your workplace but I can assure you that it's for an important cause." -- BBC, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28040259