There seemed to be a lot of similarities between the xbox cup and the real World Cup for Team USA.  Going into the begining of group play, hopes were high.  As happened to the boys who played real soccer, those hopes crashed after losing 3-0 in the opening match.  This time however the opponent was Austria.  In other first round action, Italy beat England.

 

After the 3-0 thrashing, Team USA regrouped and posted a 2-2 tie with England.  With the Austrians beating Italy, it setup a situation much like the one faced by USA in the World Cup - win and you're through - with some help.

 

This time Team USA did its part, beating Italy 4-1.  However Austria did not.  England managed a win against the top ranked Austrians.  This left Team USA out of the round of 16 on goal differential thanks to the 3-0 drubbing they took in the opening game.  It looked like all hope was lost of Team USA...

 

Or did it...

 

After a thorough look through the rules (that everyone should have read the night before) it was pointed out by a member of Team USA that ties were in fact broken first by goals scored, not the traditional goal differential.  Team USA had scored one more goal than the English side.  After a bit of discussion it was determined that Team USA would in fact make it through to the round of 16.