US looking for at least a draw today

NATAL, Brazil, June 15 (AP): The skies may clear by Monday night, when the United States plays Ghana in the World Cup opener.

No matter the weather, the formula for advancing to the second round is evident: get at least a point from the first game.

''It's pretty much like a knockout game,'' U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann told fans at a send-off pep rally last month in New York's Times Square.

The Americans have never advanced from the group stage after failing to get at least a point in their opener. They reached the knockout phase after winning their first games in 1930 and 2002, and following draws in 1994 and 2010.

''Statistically, the chances of advancing go way up now if you're able to get a point or three from the first game,'' midfielder Michael Bradley said.