How the U.S. can advance to World Cup round of 16

Germany, in the immortal words of Kramer from “Seinfeld,” could have done the U.S. a solid by beating Ghana on Saturday.

The Ghanaians would have been eliminated at the World Cup, leaving the U.S. to deal only with Portugal to get out of Group G and into the next round.

The tie with Germany keeps Ghana in the hunt, but the U.S. can punch its ticket nonetheless by disposing of Portugal on Sunday. A victory would give the U.S. six points, enough for no worse than second place.

UPDATE: U.S. earns a point with 2-2 draw against Portugal

Prospects for advancement under the other two scenarios against Portugal are not so simple heading into the final group game for the U.S., against Germany on Thursday.

If the U.S. and Portugal tie, the U.S. would have to beat or tie Germany, unless Ghana and Portugal tie Thursday. If none of that happens, the U.S. could claim a tiebreaker over the winner of Ghana-Portugal.

If the U.S. loses Sunday, it could move on by beating Germany. A draw with Germany would suffice if Ghana beats Portugal and the tiebreaker favors the U.S. over Ghana or the Portugal-Ghana game ends in a draw and the tiebreaker favors the U.S. over Portugal.

If teams wind up with the same number of points, the first tiebreaker is goal difference, followed by goals scored.