So close, but yet so far.
One win and United States was in. It was that simple. Unfortunately, that’s not how the cookie crumbled today at the hands of Portugal, but it was one hell of a game in Group G play for the U.S. Even if it seemed like a tough game, they still had a chance.
Things were looking bleak for the US to start the game though, especially because in the 5th minute, Nani scored one for Portugal to swing the momentum their way.
Things continued with a 1-0 Portugal lead for the rest of the half even though the United States looked as if they were dominating. Even with a few shots on goal, they couldn’t manage to get the ball across the goal line and put themselves on the board.
Until the second half.
In the 64th minute, Jermaine Jones took a sweet shot to the corner of the goal and scored the equalizer for the US. This goal ignited the entire team and seemed to shift the momentum their way because they were looking for the kill from thereafter.
The US kept attacking and finally capitalized 20 minutes later.
With 10 minutes to go in the second half, after a cross and missed shot, the ball somehow found its way to Clint Dempsey’s stomach and into the back of the net in the 81st minute. Catching goalkeeper Beto off-guard and the Portugal defense looking, it looked as if the United States was advancing to the round of 16 and into world glory after taking the 2-1 lead. The entire country was crying tears of joy.
Then the inevitable happened with 20 seconds left in extra time.
After holding strong the rest of the match, Portugal was awarded 4 minutes of extra time (then one more minute shortly after). Portugal kept attacking and the U.S. defense was looking like a wall, stopping everything that Portugal was sending their way. Until a breakaway attempt by Cristiano Ronaldo (thanks a lot Michael Bradley, for that mishap) saw a cross to Silvestre Varela, who scored the equalizer with time expiring.
There were only tears of disappointment from the United States after that.
Group G still remains wide open after this one, because all four teams still have a chance to make it in with some help. The United States faces Germany on Thursday, while Portugal will take on Ghana on the same day, before the top two teams prevail.
The verdict will be handed out on Thursday.