The United States had advancement to the second round within its grasp, only to have it slip away agonizing moments from the final whistle. The startling counterstrike came when Silvestre Varela headed home a perfect inswinging cross from Cristiano Ronaldo in the fifth minute of stoppage time, giving Portugal a 2-2 draw with the Americans in Manaus.
With that last-second goal, Portugal kept its slim World Cup hopes alive. The U.S., meanwhile, will play its group finale against Germany on Thursday in Recife, with both teams needing a draw to advance.
But if the United States were to lose, they could be caught by either Portugal or Ghana. The Portugal-Ghana match will be played in Brasilia, at the same time as USA-Germany.
The Americans fell behind in the fifth minute when defender Geoff Cameron mishit a clearance. The ball went to Nani, who shot past Tim Howard to score.
But the Americans drew level in the second half on Jermaine Jones’s blast in the 64th minute. And they went ahead in the 81st when Clint Dempsey chested in a ball after a great passing play from at least four teammates.
Howard made several fine saves throughout the match in the heat and humidity of the Amazon, and the Americans seemed in command near the end. But Ronaldo, who created little danger all evening, made one final thrust down the right flank that saved Portugal.
WHO LET THE DOGS OUT!
The United States had advancement to the second round within its grasp, only to have it slip away agonizing moments from the final whistle. The startling counterstrike came when Silvestre Varela headed home a perfect inswinging cross from Cristiano Ronaldo in the fifth minute of stoppage time, giving Portugal a 2-2 draw with the Americans in Manaus.
With that last-second goal, Portugal kept its slim World Cup hopes alive. The U.S., meanwhile, will play its group finale against Germany on Thursday in Recife, with both teams needing a draw to advance.
But if the United States were to lose, they could be caught by either Portugal or Ghana. The Portugal-Ghana match will be played in Brasilia, at the same time as USA-Germany.
The Americans fell behind in the fifth minute when defender Geoff Cameron mishit a clearance. The ball went to Nani, who shot past Tim Howard to score.
But the Americans drew level in the second half on Jermaine Jones’s blast in the 64th minute. And they went ahead in the 81st when Clint Dempsey chested in a ball after a great passing play from at least four teammates.
Howard made several fine saves throughout the match in the heat and humidity of the Amazon, and the Americans seemed in command near the end. But Ronaldo, who created little danger all evening, made one final thrust down the right flank that saved Portugal.
