Portugal’s last-minute goal ties US 2-2

Portugal and the US tied 2-2 at Arena Amazônia Sunday (Jun 22), in Manaus. This means that the US have virtually earned a place in the next stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Portugal, in turn, depends on a complex set of results to reach the round of 16. Things would be even bleaker for the Portuguese if it were not for tying goal 49 minutes into the second half.

The first minutes of the match saw a series of offensive moves by Portugal. Their pressure proved effective, and in the fourth minute Nani filled the nets behind American goalkeeper Howard. Portugal 1,  US 0. So much for the first half.

In the second part of the game, the US equalized in the 14th minute. After a corner kick, Jones collected the ball outside the box, dribbled past one of Portugal’s defenders and drilled a delightful shot.

That was harsh on the Portuguese. The US took advantage of their downcast adversaries and nailed the goal that would lift them up to the round of 16. In the 36th minute, an unmarked Bradley passed it to Dempsey, in the smaller box, who threw the ball in with his stomach.

During the last minutes of the match, Portugal tried to make a response, and 49 minutes after the second half had started, Cristiano Ronaldo crossed to Varela on his right, who headed it from the corner, making the final scoreboard 2-2.

In the next phase, Portugal will face Ghana on Thursday (26) at 1 pm. In order to qualify, Portugal will have to win and present a goal difference of at least 5 more than that of the US.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira de Oliveira