How the Ghana vs. Germany draw affected USA's scenarios for advancing from World Cup Group G
An entertaining game in Group G has seen Ghana and Germany draw 2-2, a result which has big ramifications for the United States, who play Portugal tomorrow. Here are the scenarios that Jürgen Klinsmann will have in mind heading into the clash in Manaus:
1) If the United States wins their game against Portugal they would move onto six points -- two clear of Germany, five clear of Ghana and Portugal right at the bottom on zero. That would guarantee the United States' progression into the knockout stages, regardless of results in the final slate of games, though defeat to Germany in the final matchday would mean they'd finish second rather than first.
2) If the United States draws their game they'd still be in a pretty healthy position, level on points with group leaders Germany but behind on goal differential. They'd be three points clear of both Ghana and Portugal, and would simply have to draw their final match against Germany to progress. Even a defeat to Germany could potentially see them through, depending on how many goals are scored in the final couple of games and how wide Germany's margin of victory was. It'll be harder for Portugal to catch the U.S. than Ghana in this scenario.
3) If the United States loses their game to Portugal they'd stay on three points -- one off group leaders Germany, level with Portugal and two clear of Ghana. Providing they lose by less than five goals they'd still stay ahead of Portugal on goal differential, but run the risk of elimination on the final matchday if they don't match Portugal's result and finish with a better goal differential. It wouldn't make the Germany game a must-win, but it would make it a must-draw, with some help required as well.
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