Just read through the whole thread, so I'll skip the old stuff... catching up:
I'm USA first, Germany second. Very happy with the way the Group of Death worked out!
Not sure how the US has an easier road to the final 8. Belgium is far and away the best team in Group H, and while not as good as Germany (nor Portugal on a good day), they're still very good. FIFA rankings that game is 11 vs. 13, so it's winnable for the US.
Having played soccer and basketball both competitively over the course of my life, basketball doesn't compare to soccer in terms of fitness required. IMO. First, you sub a lot more liberally in basketball. Second, there are a lot more breaks in play. Midfield, played properly, results in 10-12km of running, much of it full speed in a regulation match of 90 minutes. Basketball doesn't compare to that. I think basketball players are better all around athletes, but soccer players are more fit, if that makes sense.
Only thing in my life that's been more demanding on my fitness than my soccer playing days are my straight running and triathlon endeavors.