The United States will begin its quest for the World Cup trophy on June 16 against Ghana next week.

Ghana and America are in Group G with Portugal and Germany. This has been dubbed by many as the "Group of Death" because of competition. Germany is ranked No. 2, Portugal No. 4, USA No. 13 and Ghana No. 37.

Ghana has eliminated America from the last two World Cups. But we're not going to give up on Team USA just yet. There are a few reasons this team might advance further this year than in previous years.

1. Location

Brazil will be the host this year, and they deserve it, considering they've won the most World Cups in soccer history. South American countries have always won the World Cup when it's played in South America, so this could be bad for Europe. Being played in the Western Hemisphere could cause a few issues for European countries, such as Germany, because of the heat and dramatic time change. Maybe Team USA can outlast Germany (June 26) in Recife.

2. Competition

This is a tough group, a really tough one indeed. But playing against subpar teams will not do this squad any favors if they want to advance to the round of 16. It's kind of like in college football when teams face below-average teams and then go up against the No. 1 team in the country in a bowl game.

Result: blow out.

America will go up against two top five nations and the country that has eliminated them in the last two World Cups. If America can make it out of this group and into the playoff round, they will be more battle tested than ever before.

3. Underdog

Nobody is picking this team to win. Even head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said this team "can't win" the World Cup this year. Possible motivator? Most people don't even think this team can make it out of the group and into the round of 16. What better way to prove people wrong than on the biggest soccer stage in the world? Of course, goalie Tim Howard is going to have to play at an elite level for this to occur. A victory for Team USA in Brazil would be the equivalent of hockey's "Miracle on Ice" in 1980 in Lake Placid.

The winner of Group G will then advance to face the runner-up of Group H. The runner-up of Group G will face the winner of Group H. Group H consists of Belgium, Algeria, Russia and South Korea. Again, if Team USA can just get past their first true test, they have a chance.

For up-to-date sports news, scores, and more, follow the Latin Post Sports on Twitter

WANT TO HEAR MORE ANALYSIS ON TEAM USA? CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW AND CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST TV'S OFFICIAL YOUTUBE PAGE FOR MORE WORLD CUP VIDEOS

LISTEN HERE FOR OUR TEAM'S WORLD CUP DEBATE ON OUR OFFICIAL PODCAST: