2014 World Cup: What it will take for the U.S. to advance

The United States' chances of winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup are none. At least, that's what Team USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann said in December.

Aside from simply being "not at that level yet," the Americans will have to navigate through the Group of Death, including Germany and Portugal -- ranked Nos. 2 and 4, respectively -- as well as Ghana who has booted Team USA out of the last two Cups.

The Americans also will be without record-holding goal scorer Landon Donovan, who was cut from the 23-man roster.

Here's what has to happen for the Americans to make it out of group play and enter the knockout stages.

It is safe to assume Team USA, led by Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley, will have to collect at least one win -- worth three points -- in Group G to finish second or better and advance. Defeating Ghana in their first match on Monday would be their best bet as Germany's depth and Portugal's star Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps the most recognizable name in the sport, pose challenges not to be ignored.

Germany and Portugal each taking care of a weaker Ghana team is also a safe guess, which would account for three points apiece. But the result of the first match on Monday between the two powerhouses will spell out what the Americans need to accomplish. Ideally, Team USA needs either side to pull out a victory so the loser leaves without points.