Portugal’s hopes stay alive after a last-gasp goal from saved them from a defeat against the United states.
After taking the lead in just the 5th minute, Portugal went on to surrender the lead when Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey both scored in the second half.
Ronaldo joined in the heroics, producing a great cross at the death which saw Portugal equalise.
FINAL SCORE:
Portugal 2
USA 2
Portugal need a victory today against the USA to keep their World Cup chances alive following a heavy first round defeat to Germany. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8.00am AEST.
Portugal’s World Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start against Germany, losing 4 nil in a performance that now leaves them in a precarious position heading into their second match against the United States.
The USA are full of confidence following a last gasp 2-1 victory over Ghana that leaves them well positioned to challenge for a round of sixteen birth.
In bad news for Portugal, key defenders Fabio Coentrao and Pepe are both out of today’s match through injury and suspension respectively. The United States will certainly fancy their chances of getting a positive result today given Portugal’s troubles at the back.
Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo should have more opportunities to flourish against the US defence than he did against Germany. The Real Madrid superstar was well contained in the first round and will look to leave his mark against the US today.
Nani also needs to fire in attack for Portugal. The Manchester United winger is yet to truly reach his potential for his national team but a strong performance from him today will go a long way to helping Portugal get a win.
With little room for error for Portugal today, expect the US to play on the counter attack against a Portuguese side desperate to make up a poor differential.
With Pepe and Coentrao missing at the back, the US will fancy their chances of scoring a goal on the counter.
Overall, the US certainly have the confidence and support to secure a valuable score draw against the weakened Portugual.
USA and Portugal to draw 1-1
yoyo
Guest
This was a much slower pace game than most others in the tournament so far. With that poor tempo neither team is going far in this World Cup...
yoyo
Guest
LOL, you live in a very small world :d I almost feel sorry for you
AZ_RBB
Guest
Gentleman's agreement to just stand there for 90mins? Haha
Jason Cave
Guest
I wonder what would happen if the World Cup Final was Brazil v Argentina? Based on current form, how would the final pan out?
jameswm
Roar Guru
Russia to beat Algeria in the final group game and knock the Krauts out on penalties. What odds? Top half a lot tougher than the bottom half. It has brazil, Italy, france and Germany, plus Chile and Colombia who have gone well. The bottom half has Netherlands and Argentina, plus surprise packets and non-traditional powerhouse European countries.
Radelaide
Guest
I don't rate Portugal as a team at all and were very lucky to escape with a draw.
Bondy
Guest
The Gerry's could possible see themselves going home if America beat them and Ghana put a spread on the Portuguese ..
Bondy
Guest
Another cracking game of football, the Americans are a unified team the Portuguese are a team of temperamental individualists .This group was tipped as the group of death and its showing just . I think Ghana may just pip America to get out of the group .
Radelaide
Guest
When he got the ball I said to the missus that all he had to do was pass the ball back there is only 30 seconds left and then when he lost it I said watch this because the defense was out of place but credit to Ronaldo on a night he had a poor game he gave the most perfect long cross from far out wide.
Steve
Guest
Close, but obviously Colombia will beat Italy in the Rof16 and Brazil in the quarters, but lose to France in the semis, who will beat Germany in the quarters. Meanwhile Argentina will revenge 98 and beat the Netherlands in the other semi. Argentina will prevail against the French in the final, Higuain will keep Varane busy/occupied while Messi abuses Evra. Pogba will be sent off early in the 2nd half for a lunge at Mascherano (who will undoubtedly over exaggerate any contact). Benzema will go back to normal, having peaked too early in the tournament. I'd put the house on the above.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
cool thanks for finally publishing my harmless post mods! Made an error though, I meant "Portugal’s goal diff being -4 they will probably barrack for Germany (+4) to beat USA (+1)"....
Brian
Guest
all set for a German-US Biscotto
Brian
Guest
I do feel sorry for Ghana they've really played well and yet the likes of Switzerland and Nigeria will go through thanks to the uneven groups. So Round 2 looks like this Brazil v Chile Colombia v Italy France v Nigeria Germany v Algeria Netherlands v Mexico Costa Rica v Ivory Coast Argentina v Switzerland Belgium v USA Then Quarters Brazil v Italy France v Germany Netherlands v Ivory Coast Argentina v Belgium Semis Brazil v Germany Netherlands v Argentina Brazil to beat Oranje 2-1 and claim the title. The travel fatigue of players seems to be leading to more goals which is great. I can't remember a World Cup where so many teams have come back to win after conceding the first goal.
Brian
Guest
I agree but World Cups are in the end always remembered for what happens towards the end. USA 94 was great except the semis and the final were poor and so that's how its remembered.
Midfielder
Guest
Missed the second half ... but sounds like a mistake for the second goal ... two mistakes two goals ...
Radelaide
Guest
Doubt now that Timmy Cahill is out :(
Radelaide
Guest
Better if you had money on it :)
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
come on mods!
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
yes something like 3 or 4 goals if USA only lose by 1 one goal v Germany, I just wrote a little thing about it but got moderated haaa!
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
so happy! I tipped a draw.