How the U.S. Can Advance in the World Cup

1) Not have Koman Coulibaly as a referee. Kidding! Sorta. (1 p.m. update: They won!)

The U.S. faces off against Algeria in their World Cup match today, with a berth in the round of 16 on the line. The good news — they control their own destiny. Here’s how the U.S. can advance.

1) Win. If the U.S. takes the match, they’ll make it to the next round guaranteed.
2) Draw, and have Slovenia beat England
3) Draw, and have Slovenia and England tie, and then win the tiebreaker.

FIFA’s tiebreaker is a complicated, coming down to goal differentials and goals scored. If both teams have the same number of goals, it could come down to a coin flip between the two sides. Yes, a coin flip. Deadspin has a great breakdown of the tiebreaker scenarios.

There’s no way for the U.S. to advance with a loss. If the U.S. draws with Algeria and England wins, they’re also out.