the WC participants are 32 countries. the first phase is divided into 8 groups of 4 countries each. in this phase... every one of the 4 countries in their respective groups play each other.
USA played in group G with germany, portugal, and ghana.
USA beat ghana, (2 x 1); tied with portugal (2 x 2); and lost with germany (0 x 1)
in the group phase, points are awarded as follows: win = 3 points. tie = 1 point, loss = 0 points USA ended with 4 points. if there is a tie in points (as it was the case between USA and portugal) then there is a number of criteria as tie-breakers. the first and most important one is "goal difference" (net of goals in favor, minus goals against) in this instance, USA's goal difference was ZERO, but portugal was worse, i.e. NEGATIVE 3 portugal was beaten by germany 0 x 4. therefore, USA got 2nd place in group G.
then the winer of 'x' group plays the 2nd place of group 'y' and so on.... in this instance, USA finishing in 2nd, plays the winner of group H which is belgium.
in the next phase (round of 16) each game is winner takes all. there cannot be ties.... winner goes forward, loser goes home in each game. if there is a tie in the regulation 90 minutes, they play 2 extra periods of 15 minutes each, if the tie persists then they go for penalty shots (5 shots alternating teams) until there is a winner.
this is thus far the game schedule: (in the group of 16)
fifa.com
USA has done well, but i am convinced they could be doing better.... in my opinion, they have played "nervous" or 'afraid' meaning they are playing too conservatively and a little naive *which allowed portugal to tie the game in the last minute..... if they can shake off this.... they will get further than what pundits believe they will..... |
