World Cup 2014 TV schedule: US plays Ghana Monday

The United States finally hits the field in Brazil as the first full week of World Cup 2014 gets underway, along with Germany, Portugal, and Nigeria.

Five days into the 20th FIFA World Cup, the United States finally makes its first match appearance in Brazil on Monday.

The Americans are in Group G, also known as the 'Group of Death,' for the strength of the other three nations in the group - Germany, Portugal, and Ghana. Germany has won the World Cup three times and has been a soccer powerhouse for many years. Portugal features Cristiano Ronaldo, a two-time FIFA Player of the Year whose next goal will be his 50th in international play. And Ghana has represented itself well in the past few international competitions.

The US will take on Ghana at 6 p.m. EST Monday at Estadio das Dunas in Natal, Brazil. Star US players like Clint Dempsey, who has scored 36 goals while playing in 104 international matches, will be on the pitch. American goalkeeper Tim Howard will provide a veteran presence on the last line of defense. Ghana has defeated the US in the past two World Cup tournaments. The match will be televised on ESPN and Univision.

Monday at noon EST, the featured match of the day will have Germany facing Portugal at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. Germany enjoys a 9-3-5 record against the Portuguese in the World Cup. The Germans will be led by Miroslav Klose, who has 69 international goals. ESPN and Univision. will broadcast this match, as well.

Then, at 3 p.m. EST, it will be a match up of Group F teams, as Nigeria meets Iran at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba. Nigeria has a World Cup win over the Iranians. ESPN and Univision will carry this match.

Not going to be anywhere near a TV today? Watch on the Univision website or download the free Univision mobile app. Or if you're a cable-TV subscriber, you can watch on the WatchESPN app