Survive And Advance: Team USA Makes Final 16 At World Cup

The United States is making history in Brazil.

Despite the United States' close 1-0 loss to Germany on Thursday, it has qualified for the round of 16. 

This is the first time in history that the Americans have advanced to the round of 16 in back to back World Cups. 

The USA entered play with four points; three from their win against Ghana and one from their tie with Portugal.  Germany also entered the match with four points and secured Group G with the additional three points.

Here's how it worked:

Ghana and Portugal faced off at the same time, both entering play with one point.  And because Portugal defeated Ghana 2-1, Portugal matched the US with four points and Ghana finished their World Cup trip with just one point. 

The tiebreaker between the US and Portugal came down to goal differential.  USA finished with an even goal differential, scoring four and allowing four.  Portugal, mostly thanks to their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of the Germans, finished with a -3 goal differential, scoring four and allowing seven. 

Team USA will now prepare to play on Tuesday, July 1 against most likely Belgium.