goal differential going into the game was US+1, Por-4.

US advances based on this.

They crushed Portugal in the opener.

Both the USA and Portugal finish on 4 points, but the USA advances on goal differential: we're even, while Portugal are minus 3, having been crushed 4-0 by Germany in their opener. So it's us against (most likely) Belgium in the late match on Tuesday!

Could get through that one, too.

Getting out of the "bad team" bracket doesn't change the fact they're just not good enough at this game.

Do you mean the "Group of Death"?

They're on their way home now.

Same as any other tournament. There are always teams that have no chance to advance. Just like the NCAA where a 16 has never beaten a 1 and how a 15 who beats a 2 don't get out of the second round.

At some point in the distribution of teams that get there, some are cannon fodder.

But Germany was at a different level.

Since they're not going home, they're not one of the "do they really belong here" teams. But, they aren't going to beat the elite teams.

"On any given day any team can beat any other team."



BONUS OR BONER? On Any Given Day - This song doesn't really relate to anything having to do with futbol or sports, but what the HEY - it's a cool song just the same...