Following a 2-2 tie with Portugal, the United States and Germany could both advance from Group G with a tie in the final group match.

When asked about possible collusion with Germany in a postgame press conference, USMNT, and former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann spoke plainly about the United States’ intentions.

“The U.S. is known to give all they have in every single game,” said Klinsmann, adding: “Otherwise Mexico wouldn’t be here.”

Klinsmann was likely referring to the World Cup qualifying match between Panama and the United States. The United States had already clenched a World Cup berth, and really had nothing to play for. They were headed into stoppage time trailing 2-1.

Mexico would have been eliminated from qualifying with a United States loss, but Graham Zusi saved them with an equalizing goal in the final minutes. Aron Jóhannsson then netted a goal to bring the score to 3-2, allowing Mexico to play New Zealand in a playoff match that the Mexican team eventually won.

The comment was Klinsmann’s way of reminding the Mexican players that the only reason they’re here is because the U.S. allowed them to be.

The United States play Germany in their final Group G match at 12:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 26.