A Hard Rain's A-Ghana Fall

Beat Ghana. Root for Italy.

Here are the scenarios in which the US would advance.

The USA can finish second in its group and advance to the knockout round with a win and an Italy win vs. the Czech Republic on Thursday.

Other scenarios:

-- If Italy vs. Czech Republic ends in a 0-0 tie, then the USA has to beat Ghana by at least four goals.

-- If Italy vs. Czech Republic ends in a 1-1 tie, then the USA needs to beat Ghana by at least five goals.
By virtue of the USA's 3-0 loss to Czech Republic, if both the USA and Czech Republic finished tied in goal differential, the USA can only advance if they score more total goals in Group play then the Czech Republic. If they are tied in points, goal differential and total goals scored in group play, the Czech Republic advances due to their win vs. the USA.

Yeah. So, like I said.

Beat Ghana. Root for Italy.

It’s just that simple.

In other news, I think 10AM may be a tad bit early to crack open a cold one. It’s gonna be kind of weird watching one of these things sober... eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch.