Heartbreaking.
It’s the only word to describe the circumstances that led to a 2-2 draw between the United States and Portugal. A late equalizing goal from Portugal denied the U.S. a hard-fought, historic victory, as well as all three points in the World Cup Group of Death.
Despite the U.S. holding a 2-1 lead in five minutes of extra time, Cristiano Ronaldo inspired a comeback, tying goal with just 15 seconds to go in the match. The Real Madrid superstar picked up the ball after Michael Bradley mishandled a cross in midfield and swung in an exquisite cross, which Silvestre Valera headed past Tim Howard.
The U.S. started the game off with a mistake in the back line, Geoff Cameron hoofing a ball backwards toward Nani, who coolly slotted home the ball to give Portugal a lead in the fifth minute of play.
But, that wouldn’t hold the U.S. back. There was plenty of chance creation and good connections in midfield but the States just couldn’t find an equalizer in the first half. That all changed in the second half after a corner kick swung in by Graham Zusi was cleared toward Jermain Jones outside the box just past the hour mark.
Jones took a touch past Nani and struck a shot at goal, which completely baffled Portuguese goalkeeper Beto and hit the back of the net.
The U.S. found its vital equalizer and continued to push in the offense; that effort was rewarded once more in the 81-minute mark, when Bradley got on the end of a cross into the box. The Toronto FC midfielder took a shot on net, but hit a defender. The ball bounced out wide to a U.S. man, and, eventually, to Clint Dempsey, who tapped the ball in from close range to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead.
Valera’s last-minute goal took the wind out of the U.S. fans’ sails; the two sides split the points and Portugal earn a lifeline back into the World Cup. A loss to the U.S. would have eliminated the Portuguese. Now, the U.S. face Germany in the final match in Group G. A win or a draw would secure a spot in the knockout stages for the U.S., but a loss could also see the Americans advance.
That finish depends on the result of Ghana vs. Portugal. If either Ghana or Portugal win, it must be via goal difference. Portugal currently has a goal difference of -4, after a 4-0 loss to Germany. Ghana has a goal difference of -1. In either case, the result depends on what happens across the board.
If the U.S. lose 1-0 and Ghana wins 1-0 over Portugal, the two sides’ goal difference would be 0 each, but the U.S. would still advance because of head-to-head goals scored. Whatever happens, the United States’ fate is still up in the air, though a point against Portugal is still a very strong result.
Still, it’s heartbreak for the United States, who were 15 seconds away from qualifying for the next round of the World Cup. How they fare against Germany could just decide the team’s fate in Brazil.
