United States' Group of Death Survival Kit.

United States soccer didn't need a win to get into the knockout stages. United States didn't need a draw to get into the knockout stages. They just needed some help from Portugal, and U.S. got it as Portugal won 2-1 against Ghana including a game-winning goal by Cristiano Ronaldo. The United States lost 1-0 and finished 1-1-1 in the Group of Death. But the fact of the matter, they are through to the round of 16. No one expected it to happen. People thought this team was too young to get through the Group of Death, but they are through ready to make some noise against Belgium. 

It was pretty evident by the second half of the game that playing in Manaus wore these guys out. They seemed pretty tired and it's really fortunate the only allowed on goal against the attacking German team. Additionally, the fact, they only got three days to prepare instead of Germany's four, didn't probably help things either to the struggle with the United States legs. But they got through and now have five days off before taking on Belgium, the dark horse of the tournament. What should be realized is now things can get completely crazy, and everything is up for grabs.

It shouldn't be lost on people is the United States played well in this game. The goal they gave up would have been scored on any team left in the tournament. It was a clinical finish by Thomas Muller, one of the best players in the world.  Other than that, United States' defense held strong for most of the game. Omar Gonzalez worried a bunch of people when Jurgen Klinsmann put him into the starting eleven, and Gonzalez hung in there pretty strong for the United States. Brad Davis in the back was another story, but for the most part, the United States play a pretty clean game. The other positive is Jermaine Jones, arguably one of the best players for the U.S. thus far, did not pick up a second yellow. Further, Kyle Beckerman was dangerously close to getting a second yellow late in the game, and he held strong. Hopefully, the U.S. is at full strength for Tuesday. 

The only way where they are completely at full strength would be having Jozy Altidore on the starting eleven or available to come off the bench. We are three weeks removed from the hamstring strain. That's right around the heal time depending on how severe the strain actually is plus we do need to factor in the weather as well. I feel like there is a small chance that he starts the game for the United States, but I feel 50/50 he might be able to go in as a substitute which could be a huge card to play for the U.S. late in the game against Belgium especially if the game is tied or the U.S. is trailing in the game. Altidore could give them a much-needed boost. 

Do the United States have a shot in this game?  You're damn right they do. Belgium is full of talent, but like the U.S., they are very young and haven't been on this stage before. The first 20 minutes of the match will be huge for each team. If Belgium gets off to a quick start, they could be off and running feeling good. Belgium has been terrific defensively in the group stages only giving up one goal, and the goal came off a penalty kick. But Algeria, South Korea and Russia are not a group of world-beaters here. It is not like they were dealing with Group D or even Group C. They played in one of the weakest groups therefore it is hard for us to judge this team right now. 

The knockout stages are more like the NCAA Tournament than anything else. It is a winner take all match with a chance for overtime goals and penalty kicks. Things are going to get very tight when watching the United States as well as other teams left in the tournament. You thought your nerves were bad in a game against Portugal. Imagine them being 100 times worse on Tuesday afternoon. If the United States finds a way to win, they have a probable Round of 8 matchup with Lionel Messi and the boys from Argentina which would be another story.  

Survive and advance. 

Charlie.