In a match that would decide if USA would advance to the round of 16 and eliminate a Portugal team that has struggled so far in this World Cup, it was USA who gave the game away. The last time these two teams met up in a group stage in the World Cup, USA ended up defeating Portugal 3-2 and advanced to the Round of 16 back in 2002. It seemed like history was repeating itself for the Yanks but they didn’t put enough effort to defend the lead and end up tying 2-2 to Portugal with only 30 seconds left in the match.
As the first half took place, it was Jurgen Klinsmann’s starting 11 that didn’t start with full force and many mistakes in just the first five minutes of the game. On a mistake by one of the defenders of USA, the ball bounced of his leg as he was trying to deflect it away, and it landed right in front of Nani, who controlled the ball very well and hit the ball into the net with goalkeeper Tim Howard helpless during the play.
As the first half continued, USA seemed to get control of the ball and great passing after Nani scored to get Portugal in the lead. Michael Bradley, defender Fabian Johnson and Clint Dempsey all had shots at the goal and were a couple feet from going on. Bradley had two shots on goal that were close to going in, Fabian Johnson had some great crosses and also some opportunities at goal and Dempsey was close to tying the game for USA twice, but it just wasn’t enough for the Yanks. Nani also had another opportunity along with Eder with three minutes to go in the first half. Nani was able to get control of the ball and shot for goal but hit the post and then landed in front of Eder, who was right on shot but Howard was there to save his team from a 2-0 lead.
The first half ended and both teams went to the locker room with USA hoping to come back stronger in the second half. But in reality neither team came out stronger in the second half. USA and Portugal had some chances to score including Bradley’s shot at goal in which Fabian Johnson juked the goalkeeper thus leaving the net open. The ball landed in front of Michael Bradley and as he hit it, USA fans couldn’t believe what had happened next. Portugal had a defenseman there that saved Portugal from giving up the lead. But in the 64th minute it was Jermaine Jones who put USA in the table. It was during a corner kick play in which the ball reflected of a defenseman of Portugal and landed in front of Jermaine Jones who curved the ball in the net and created a beautiful goal to make the game 1-1.
It wasn’t until Jurgen Klinsmann’s magic touch came into place as he replaced Alejandro Bedoya for 20-year-old DeAndré Yedlin. The youngster created a beautiful play in which he crossed the ball in the box, Michael Bradley got control of it, tried for the net but reflected of a defenseman. Then Zusi got the ball, crossed it to Dempsey who was there to put the goal with his chest and give the Yanks a 2-1 lead.
As the game was nearing the end, it looked like USA was about to eliminate Portugal from the world cup. With five minutes of extra time, all the Yanks had to do was hold to the ball and defend but it seemed like they forgot to do that. Michael Bradley, who has looked horrible in the world cup, gave the ball away and Ronaldo was able to get control of the ball from a pass from his teammate. He was able to cross it to the middle of the box and found Silvestre Varela who headed the ball in the net and tied the game with only 30 seconds left in the match.
With this tie, the Group of Death just got a lot more interesting. All teams are still alive in this group and the only way USA can advance is to either tie with Germany and hope to God that Portugal ties with Ghana.
USA will face a tough German team on Thursday at 9AM PT to determine how Group G will finish and who will be able to advance to the Round of 16.
