Portugal Steals Draw With Game-Tying Goal In Extra Time Against U.S. National Team

The U.S. National Team and Portugal have finished in a 2-2 draw despite a strong showing by the Americans. They were seconds from winning before a header in the fifth minute of extra time tied the game.

In the first half the United States got off to a slow start, very much the opposite of what happened in against Ghana. It all started with a misplayed clearing attempt by Jeff Cameron where the ball deflected off him and right to Nani of Portugal. Nani looked calm and collected before firing a shot into the top of the net over a sprawled Tim Howard to make a a quick 1-0 lead in the 5′.

After that the U.S. National Team looked pretty good in possession, and by the end of the half possession was split 50/50.

Another positive has been the fact that by the 35-minute mark the U.S. had more shots (9) than they did in the whole Ghana game (8). They also had four shot on target, forcing keeper Beto to make a few saves.

You could see it in the positive play going forward all half as well with Michael Bradley having a much better impact today than he did against the ‘Black Stars’. Clint Dempsey, who started the game as the lone striker, also looked great by making meaningful runs behind the Portuguese defense.

Out of the half Portugal make a substitution bringing on a defensive midfielder making that their second just halfway through the game. The move was likely to slow down the good midfield play by the U.S. National Team.

At the beginning of the second half the United States held the better of the possession and created plenty of chances. One of those chances, in the 55′ minute, looked to be a sure goal for Michael Bradley but the shot was cleared away at the goal line by the Portuguese defender to keep the Americans scoreless.

But, their attacking came to fruition in the 64′ minute off perfect shot by Jermaine Jones with his right foot from the top of the box into the right side of the net to even the score at one apiece.

Portugal then kicked it up a notch and became much more proactive offensively, though they were still held in check by the U.S. side.

However, the U.S. National Team struck again, this time in the 81′ on a goal by pelvic thrust by none other than Clint Dempsey. It was a mess of passes in the box, but it was started by a great run down the right flank by substitute DeAndre Yedlin who fired the initial ball into the box. Eventually it fell to Graham Zusi who directed it on goal where Dempsey was to guide it in off of his stomach and into the net for the 2-1 lead.

But, it’s not over until the final whistle, and in the final seconds of stoppage time Michael Bradley committed a costly turnover in the midfield that led to the game-tying goal for Portugal. The pass was delivered by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo from the right side and eventually headed in by Silvestre Varela in the 95′.

With the U.S. National Team just seconds away from making it to the next round, they now find themselves in the middle of a dogfight. And perhaps that is the way it should be, because afterall they are in the ‘Group of Death’. But being just that close to advancing has to sting.

Also of note was Chris Wondolowski, the San Jose Earthqukes striker, getting his first World Cup appearance. He came on late in the game for Dempsey to help out in the waning moments and did all he could to quell the Portuguese attack. He took the ball to the corner a few times to waste time, but unfortunately it wasnt enough.

Still, the U.S. is in the driver’s seat and just needs a draw to ensure their advancement to the round of 16. That in itself is a tall order, but the way they played against Portugal they definitely can do it.

Even a loss could put them through if Portugal and Ghana draw or one of them wins and does not make up the goal difference. At the moment Ghana would have to win by three or Portugal win by five coupled with a U.S. loss for the Americans to NOT make it through.