[neodad]

It’ll take a miracle to advance out of this group...

[pieceofthepuzzle]

“It’ll take a miracle to advance out of this group...”

Yes, but I think they can beat Ghana, and if Christiano is injured they could have a chance to beat Portugal.

[BeadCounter]

Even if Germany win their 1st two games, I don't expect them to take their foot off the pedal when they face the USA. Perhaps they would rest a few players. Germany has not sat by in the past and for all we know, Portugal might draw them in the first match and Germany will indeed have to win their 3rd match to make certain they would advance.

USA, Game 1 vs. Ghana, Game 2 vs. Portugal, Game 3 vs. Germany

Portugal, recent fixtures

Because the USA defeated Portugal in 2002, Portugal will be extra-wary of the USA. USA defeated them in the 1st game hence a big setback and Portugal did not get out of the group. Portugal also will be in a Portuguese speaking nation, their former colony for whatever that is worth. Would their be an advantage for Spain playing in Mexico? Maybe a slight one. In exchange with that, USA will have many many fans there. 15,000? I don't know but a lot and the largest traveling contingency.

Obviously, it is one game at a time for the USA but should we defeat our nemesis Ghana, I've got to think we would find a way to advance out of the group.

[dfwgator]

The US needs a team in their group to go 3-0-0 (likely Germany)

Assume the US loses to Germany (but only by a goal), they get a win and a tie against Portugal and Ghana, then there’s a good chance that 1-1-1 would be good enough to get them through.