catalyst2 | Game # 32 - USA vs Portugal

Portugal had to win this game to be certain of staying in the mix and their furious opening showed their determination, with Nani getting a goal after just 5 minutes off a sliced USA clearance. Portugal didn't sit back though and spent the next 15 minutes or so raiding the USA goal almost continuously. Eventually USA contained them and started to cause problems for the Portugal defence, Dempsey in particular tormenting the Portugal defence almost at will. It took until the second half but USA finally scored, with a great shot from Jones. Dempsey continued to run and jink and shoot, finally getting his just rewards after 81 minutes. Portugal did try to attack but looked increasingly fragmented as they did so. It started to look as if USA were home and then Ronaldo curled in a beautiful cross for Varela to head in. 2-2 it finished and that was probably a fair result.

Portugal survive but by the skin of their teeth. If USA draw their next game against Germany, they will both go through, regardless of what Portugal does.