German-Americans picking sides in World Cup match

CINCINNATI - There's eager anticipation - and some divided loyalties - for German-Americans who've been rooting for both teams until their pivotal World Cup clash.

Organizers expect thousands to show up Thursday at Cincinnati's Fountain Square for a watch party when the U.S. soccer team plays Germany.

The downtown square is home to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, the annual celebration of the city's German heritage which drew 600,000 last year. There are hundreds of thousands of people of German descent still in the Cincinnati region today after an immigration wave in the early 19th century.

One in Cincinnati says German-Americans are excited about both teams, especially since the U.S. team has a German coach and five German-Americans.

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Milwaukee, Chicago and other U.S. areas with large German-American populations expect packed bars and restaurants.