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World Cup Floods in Recife Just Hours Before U.S.-Germany Game

Twitter users posted pictures of feet-high water in the city's streets.
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Heavy rain in the Brazilian city of Recife turned streets into rivers Thursday — just hours before the U.S. soccer team's decisive World Cup clash against Germany. Supporters and journalists posted dramatic pictures to Twitter of their treacherous journeys to the city's Arena Pernambuco stadium, with many forced to drive through several feet of water.

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Despite the disruption and reportedly huge travel delays, TODAY show anchor Natalie Morales tweeted from the ground that FIFA confirmed the game will go ahead as scheduled. The U.S. team needs a win or a draw against the Germans, one of the tournament's favorites, to be sure of a place in the second round. The team could also progress with a loss, depending on the outcome of the Ghana-Portugal match to be played concurrently.

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- Alexander Smith