Back in 2010 the United States took a huge step toward establishing itself as a major soccer power around the world. After winning its group in the World Cup, the team was taken down by Ghana in the first round. However, the team's inspirational play, which included two huge comebacks and a last minute winner from its most recognized star, proved that the Americans could contend in the biggest tournament in the world.

However, taking a step forward means nothing if it is not built on. The Americans will have a huge challenge to overcome in order to continue its steady rise on the international stage. Can they pull it off?

History

The first 60 years of the tournament were not kind to the U.S. The team finished third back in 1930, but only qualified for the tournament in 1934 and 1950 thereafter. The team did not play in the tournament between 1954 and 1986. In 1990, the U.S. returned to the tournament and has not failed to qualify since. However, the results have been mixed. The U.S.' best run in that span was a quarterfinal finish in 2002. However the side also finished 32nd out of 32 teams in 1998 and was the 25th best side in the 2006 World Cup.

How did they get here?

The U.S. started competing in the second round of the CONCACAF qualifiers and was placed into a group that included Jamaica, Guatemala and Antigua and Barbuda. The team struggled at times and finished with a record of four wins, one draw and one loss. However, the side ultimately finished in first place and moved on to the "hexagonal round.

The first game in that round did not go according to plan as the Americans lost 2-1 at Honduras. In the second game the team barely beat Costa Rica 1-0. A 0-0 draw in Mexico ensued; despite the scoreless draw the game was seen as a success for the Americans. The team then won three straight before being embarrassed 3-1 in Costa Rica. However, the U.S. bounced back with three straight wins including a 2-0 win over Mexico at home and comeback victory over Panama in the final game of the qualifiers.

Top Stars

Clint Dempsey is the captain and the top offensive player for the team. He has 36 goals in 106 caps and has looked terrific for the Seattle Sounders in his opening four games of the 2014 season.

Landon Donovan, the icon of the American squad, is likely playing in his final World Cup tournament and has put together 57 goals in 156 games. He will look to repeat his heroics from 2010 when he scored a late goal against Algeria to help the team win Group C.

Even though the two aforementioned players are the most recognized stars, Michael Bradley is the most important player on the squad. He makes the midfield go and his performance in the tournament could be the difference between an early elimination and a deeper run.

Of course, all eyes will be on coach Jurgen Klinsmann in his first World Cup with the U.S. How this team does will likely determine how his tenure with the club is ultimately viewed.

Can they get out of the group?

The U.S. was drawn into one of the more challenging groups in the tournament. Ghana has defeated the Americans in the last two World Cups while the Germans and Portuguese are among the top sides in the World. The U.S. faces Ghana first before taking on Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. The final match against Germany could be pointless or the most meaningful of the batch.
The American can get out of the group if they manage to take down Ghana and tie Portugal. However, the team would also need some help from the Germans in their first two games and hope for a draw between Portugal and Ghana.

Can they win it all?

The short answer is no. The U.S. simply does not have the cohesiveness just yet to compete with other top European or South American sides. Moreover, their group is too tricky to overcome. While they can make a statement, do not expect the Americans to be one of the teams competing in the round of 16 this season.