How the USA Stayed Alive in the 'Group of Death'
It wasn't a win -- but it was enough.
The United States may have lost today's World Cup match against Germany 1-0 in Recife, but don't worry -- the team still advances to the next round of the tournament.
That's thanks to Portugal. Confused?
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2014 World Cup TV Schedule and Results
Here's why. Portugal won its match today against Ghana, 2-1. That ensured that both the U.S. and Portugal finished second in Group G -- also known as the "Group of Death -- with 4 points apiece.
Enter the tie-breaker -- goal differential.
The Americans and Portugal both scored 4 goals at the tournament after three games, but Portugal had given up 7 to the USA's 4.
The Americans would have been eliminated only if the Germans had run up the score on the U.S. or if Portugal had routed Ghana.
"It's huge for us, getting out of this group," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said after the game, adding that the team has big hopes for the next stage.
"We can still do better," he added. "We got through the group but we have to do better in the round of 16 and we will do better."
Both teams faced tough conditions today -- players were soaking wet thanks to torrential rain that had flooded Recife hours before the match began.
The USA plays Tuesday against the winner of Group H.
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