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The "Group of Death" is living up to its name.

Going into the third and final match of group stage, all four teams — the U.S., Germany, Ghana and Portugal — still have a mathematical chance of moving on to the round of 16.


Of course, the U.S. had a prime chance at sealing the deal last night against Portugal. But, 

, a last-gasp goal by Portugal scuttled those plans.


So, let's lay out the three scenarios (and a few sub-scenarios) that can play out for the U.S.:

: Means the U.S. advances to the round of 16.
-- 

: Means both the U.S. and Germany advance.
-- 

: Here it gets complicated and where you have to start looking at goals scored. A spot goes to Germany. The U.S. would end up with 4 points. Right now, both Ghana and Portugal have 1 point.


, both the U.S. and Germany move ahead, no matter the score.


, it would tie with the U.S. at 4 points a pop. In that case, we look at how many goals the team has scored and how many goals it has allowed. Portugal has a goal difference of -4; the U.S. has a goal difference of +1. This means, that even with a win, Portugal has to pummel Ghana to overcome that goal deficit and jump over the U.S.


, because, currently, it only has a goal deficit of -1. So, 

, a 2-0 win by Ghana and a 2-0 loss by the United States would mean Ghana (now with a goal difference of +1) moves on and the United States (goal deficit of -1) comes back home.


There is a chance that after all is said and done, the U.S. may come up tied both in points and goal difference. In that case, FIFA will look at total goals scored during the group stage.

Bottom line: If you're for the red, white and blue, just hope they pull off a win or draw. If not, pull for a tie between Portugal and Ghana. If not, pull for a tight win by Portugal.


We'll leave you on a hopeful note. Nate Silver, 

Sports

Going into the third and final match of group stage, all four teams -- the U.S., Germany, Ghana and Portugal -- still have a mathematical chance of moving on to the round of 16.

Doing the math: How the U.S. can advance in the World Cup

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