=== Last chance: U.S. faces must-win situation against Ghana ===

Nuremberg, Germany (My Sportsbook) - The United States will take its last crack at a spot in the Round of 16 on Thursday against Ghana facing a must-win situation to avoid an early trip home.

After losing, 3-0 to the Czech Republic to open the tournament, and finishing the second match in a 1-1 draw with Italy, the U.S. now finds itself desperate for a win in order for a shot at advancing past the group stages. In addition to the win, the U.S. also needs Italy to defeat the Czech Republic to safely advance.

If the Czech Republic pulls off the win, then the U.S. would have to rely on goal differential for a shot at the next round.

Ghana could also advance in the tournament with a win over the U.S.. Ghana managed to regroup after a 2-0 loss to Italy in the first match and went onto hand the Czech Republic a surprising 2-0 loss. The team could also benefit from a draw, but would need Italy to defeat the Czech Republic.

Entering Thursday's match, the U.S. will have to fill two large holes in its lineup, as both Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope will miss after receiving red cards in the match against Italy.

Mastroeni was ejected just minutes before the end of the first half, and Pope was issued his second yellow card in the second half.

The U.S. is still in search of its first goal of the tournament. The team managed the draw after Italy scored on its own net in the first half.

Brian McBride will try to become the first American to score in three different World Cup tournaments.

Ghana is also missing some important players, as Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari are both out serving a suspension. The two players are the only two goal-scorers for Ghana thus far in the tournament.

Following the group stages, the first and second place teams from Group E will face the first and second place teams in Group F.