Team USA is back in action on the World Cup schedule in Group G against Portugal on Sunday and the United States comes into their next matchup after winning against Ghana in their opening game and this will be a huge test for the team if they want to advance to the knockout stages and it will air on ESPN on TV and from WatchESPN with a live stream online at 6 pm ET from Manaus in the Amazon.
There is no shortage of storylines heading into this matchup, including that the United States could basically seal up a spot into the knockout stage with a victory. The Group G draw was nicknamed the group of death for this tournament and not many experts or media members gave the US a chance to get out of it and now they are in that position after getting three points against Ghana. The intrigue doesn't end there though, as both Cristiano Ronaldo and Clint Dempsey are banged up, while American star Jozy Altidore pulled his hamstring and will be out for the game on Sunday.
Portugal was beaten soundly against Germany in their opening game and Ronaldo had to leave practice to deal with a knee issue that has been bothering him and that could be a major factor in the game. The match is in Manaus and that also could play a role, as the Amazon stadium has been playing hot all tournament and after England dealt with cramping and physical play in their match against Italy, the conditions could once again be a factor. The team has the World Cup audience in a daze after the way they played against Ghana and if the team can keep it up, the Americans could endear themselves to some international fans that love rooting for an underdog.
The United States has started off the Cup with a great run against Ghana and this comes after the team knocked them out of the World Cup in South Africa and in 2006 as well. The team now can move on, but they lost Jozy Altidore to a hamstring injury and his return is up in the air and he is already ruled out of the Portugal game on Sunday. The United States has an opening there, as Cristiano Ronaldo is also banged up and that could be the advantage they need in this game.
Group G was titled the Group of Death before the tournament and everyone basically said the US had no chance of getting out of it and now they can get to the knockout stages with a win here. The spot won't be guaranteed, but that will put the team in great position to advance. Clint Dempsey broke his nose in the game, but he had adrenaline after scoring a goal 30 seconds into the match and his play will be key for the US if they want to get through to the Round of 16 coming up.
Check here for the upcoming Team USA schedule from the World Cup.