USA’s chances of progressing into the last 16 of the 2014 World Cup were dealt a blow when they were drawn in Group G along with Germany, Portugal and Ghana when the draw for the finals was made back in December.

The two European teams in the group are both expected to reach the latter stages of the competition in South America. Germany are the shortest price of all the countries from Europe with Betfair, while Portugal have Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks.

That said, the US men’s football team has come a long way in the last couple of decades, and if they can overcome a tough start by making it into the knockout stage in Brazil, it will be the third time in the last four tournaments that they have advanced from their opening group. They are though outsiders of the four teams in the Betfair qualification betting for Group G.

Clint Dempsey scored eight goals during qualifying for the World Cup and the Seattle Sounders and is the man USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann will be relying on to score goals in the tournament. The 31-year old has a wealth of experience of top-flight European football after his stints in England with Fulham and Tottenham in the Premier League. Without Landon Donovan in the squad this year, he is now their most recognised forward.

Dempsey’s strike partner Jozy Altidore has not quite cut it for Sunderland in the way he has in England, however, he does act as an important player for the USA. The big centre-forward gives the States a different dimension to their team and will cause defences problems with his height and strength. This tournament could be what the Black Cats man needs to get his career off and running again, even if that is away from the Stadium of Light following the summer transfer window.

Everton ‘keeper Tim Howard could shine at the World Cup if he can repeat the form he has shown for the Merseyside club this season. Although the Toffees missed out on qualification for Europe, they had a strong season the US shot-stopper was a key part of their success.

Howard is just short of 100 caps for his country and has been there first choice ‘keeper for a while now. During games against Germany and Portugal, the American is going to be tested as they are both likely to have lots of chances with the attacking prowess in their ranks.

Michael Bradley returned to North America at the start of this year to sign for Toronto FC in the MLS and will be in the heart of Klinsmann’s midfield during the World Cup. The hard-working 26-year old is the engine of the team and does often pop up with important goals for his national side. When applying his trade at Roma, a number of other big European clubs were monitoring his progress, including Manchester United, however, he chose to sign for the Canadian side for a fee of $10 million.