USA has made Group G the most exciting in this World Cup

Two groups stood out when the World Cup draws were made — one was Group D consisting of Italy, England, Uruguay and Costa Rica and the other was Group G which had Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the USA. But with three former world champions drawn together, it was Group D that was quickly bestowed the title ‘Group of Death’. [caption id=“attachment_1583909” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Portugal have the least chance of making it through considering that Ghana are not easy to beat, let alone beat by three goals. AP[/caption] But with two rounds complete, there is only one winner for us when it comes to being the most exciting set of teams at the World Cup — and that is Group G. Here’s why: - With one round to go, every team in Group G can qualify for the second or be eliminated. - The permutations are interesting. Germany and USA play each other and are on four points each, with a goal difference of +4 and +1 respectively. Portugal play Ghana with both teams having point each but Portugal’s goal difference is -4 compared to Ghana’s is -1.

Now let’s take it team by team. Germany and USA both have to avoid defeat to go through. If either team wins, they’re through anyway — but the margin of goals matters. If Germany beat USA by three goals and Portugal beat Ghana by four goals, then Portugal join Germany in the last 16. - USA is in the same situation as Germany. Avoiding defeat means a place in the last 16, but if USA lose and Ghana win by two or more goals then Ghana go through. If USA lose and Portugal beat Ghana by four or more goals, then Germany and Portugal will go through. - For Portugal it’s simple — they have to hope for a result in the Germany vs USA game and then beat Ghana by four or more goals. - Ghana, also have to hope for a result in the Germany vs USA game and then beat Portugal by two or more goals. (We’re saying Ghana need to beat Portugal by two or more goals because if they beat Portugal 1-0 and the minimum victory margin of Germany against USA is 1-0, then Ghana and USA will have the same goal difference. However, USA would have scored a goal more and will go through. - The stakes are higher to finish on top because Group G’s top team will face one of Algeria, South Korea or Russia — comparatively smaller names which mean winning the group could guarantee an entry into the quarterfinals.