By virtue of a hard-earned 1-1 draw with France, the Americans now face senior team rivals Ghana in their final World Cup group match on Thursday (1 p.m EST on ESPNU). A win will likely secure passage into the knockout stage. A draw may also technically be enough, but not without plenty of goals and fortuitous results in other groups.

The U.S. will need a complete performance against a solid Ghanaian squad in order to break into the Round of 16 for the first time since 2007. Regardless of past performances or any number of permutations, Ramos, for one, is excited that his team’s fate comes down to the final game in the "Group of Death."

“We knew coming into this World Cup that we were in a very difficult group. We wanted to make sure we went to third game with an opportunity to advance," he said. “We’re very happy where we are and now it comes down to one game.”

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM GHANA

In its first two matches, Ghana played valiantly against two world-class sides. In the opener, the young Black Stars (or: Satellites) fell 3-1 to the powerful French. Ghana conceded two goals midway through the second half but continued to press Les Blues, trying desperately to claw back into the game with offensive substitutions. The squad was unsuccessful but showed heart until the third French goal sunk its hopes. On Monday, the team performed much better and managed to stifle the rampant Spanish attack, despite losing 1-0. After giving up a simple tap-in goal to Jese, the Ghanaians had several chances to equalize but could not take a point from the tournament favorites.

The match with Spain revealed the quality of Ghana, which won the tournament in 2009 and finished runner-up in the recent African Youth Championship. The squad is capable of compactly defending and breaking on lighting quick counter attacks, so its pace and transition speed will be its biggest weapon when facing the U.S..

While Ghana features almost exclusively domestic-based players, several members of the team have distinguished themselves so far in this tournament.

The most capped member is sturdy defender and captain Leonard Lartney. Named to the African Youth Championship Best XI, he imbues an air of confidence in the backline. He played left back against Spain as Ghana put in a disciplined defensive effort and stopped La Rojita from imposing its will the way it did against a high-pressure American effort. Joseph Attamah, Richmond Nketiah, and German-based Baba Rahman fill out the experienced backline.

Clifford Aboagye is one to watch in the Ghanaian midfield. He is skillful on the ball and an excellent passer. After playing in Ghana last year, the diminutive midfielder recently earned a contract with Italian side Udinese where he has settled into a role on their reserve squad. Now featuring at Anderlecht, Frank Acheampong is another of Ghana’s international exports. Acheampong made his debut for the senior squad last year after a breakout season in the Thai Premier League where he scored 17 goals in 56 appearances. Following a trial with Celtic, the 19-year old moved to Belgium on loan for a Thai League record one million Euro transfer fee. Featuring at left wing and up front, Acheampong is a crafty and elusive player with an excellent touch and finishing ability. He prefers to work centrally and will consistently make dangerous run behind the back four. The U.S. will need to be on their toes to avoid being turned. The lynch pin of the Ghana attack is striker Ebenezer Assifuah, who has become a dependable scorer in the Ghana Premier League, netting seven times last season. Assifuah is on a spectacular run of form after picking up three goals during African qualifiers. He is currently the team’s leading scorer, and has the team's lone tally of the tournament against France. Rumors are circulating that he may soon join compatriot Aboagye at Udinese. Confidence is high among the Ghanaian media, believing it will once again eliminate the Americans from international competition. The young Satellittes are an underrated bunch and should be consdered a threat. If the Americans turn in anything but a first-class effort, they will be on the first flight home Friday morning.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE U.S.

Ramos experimented with two different strategies in the first two games. The Americans employed a strategy of high defensive pressure against Spain, attempting and succeeding at times, to play Spain's game. The strategy ultimately failed as the Americans struggled to maintain the defensive intensity, conceding four goals.

Against France, the U.S. held back. Central midfielders Benji Joya and Wil Trapp limited the space in which France had to operate. The duo shut down Juventus starlet Paul Pogba, who controlled the pace of the match against Ghana. Odds are Ramos will return to the well on Thursday. With Benji Joya suspended due to yellow card accumulation, Sporting KC’s Mikey Lopez seems likely to get the call.

One of Ramos’ more peculiar roster decisions was choosing to stick with Jevan Torre at center back, over team captain Caleb Stanko, against France. It seems unlikely that Stanko wouldn’t return to the Starting XI against the Satellites. While Torre’s performance was better than his awful showing against Spain, the U.S. needs Stanko's leadership qualities in a win-or-go-home game. Center back partner Shane O’Neill looked good in his return, managing some important clearances and very nearly scoring off a corner kick. On the outside both Juan Pablo Ocegueda and DeAndre Yedlin put in competent shifts, but it was the offensive-minded approach of Yedlin that sparked the U.S. comeback. Late in the match, he slid into right midfield, fearlessly taking on defenders and helping to spur the American offense.

The U.S. attack struggled mightily to create chances for much of the contest against Les Blues. Alonso Hernandez was once again subbed off after the break. He didn’t appear to pick up an injury but did struggle to maintain possession and play with his back to goal. Jose Villarreal was largely anonymous and couldn't find the game on the wing. Mario Rodriguez also looked ineffective playing out wide but did draw some dangerous free kicks, including one which produced the game’s late equalizer.

Goalscorer Daniel Cuevas, on the other hand, once again sparked the U.S. as a substitute. It's possible nagging injuries are keeping him from the XI, but with Joya suspended and Hernandez struggling, you could see him on the left side for the must-win matchup. Up front, Rodriguez who thrives centrally could replace Hernandez in the lineup.

The U.S. may rue their chance to take all three points against France. Luis Gil, who missed a potential game-tying penalty in the 65th minute, knows the team can’t focus on what could’ve been. “[The result] keeps us alive and we just need to care of business against Ghana.”

PROJECTED STARTING XI

Cropper; Ocegueda, Stanko, O’Neill, Yedlin; Trapp, Lopez; Cuevas, Gil, Villarreal; Rodriguez

Josh Deaver is a former academic turned soccer obsessive. Follow him on Twitter.