USA are very well drilled
They basically have 6 at the back when Germany monopolise possession, the two wingers are nullifying the threat of Germany's attacking full backs and the two DM's protect the middle area
However they aren't content just with this, when they sense an opportunity both their attacking full backs (Beazley / Johnson) break at will, and are usually supported by 3 in the middle; Dempsey and 2 of Bradley, Zusi or Jones
It's really fluid, and despite being defensive for the majority they actually break in numbers
Compare this to say Belgium or Japan who must have the slowest transition I've seen for any team in ages. Especially Japan, it basically takes them a minute to get more than one man in the box and by then I they are outnumber by around 6 opposition men