Manaus: Portugal started with early strike and ended late by equalizer in dramatic draw against USA and keeps the hope alive into the tournament, here at Arena Da Amazonia, Manaus. The encounter between Americans and Portuguese is the biggest thriller of the day; Portuguese scored early with the help of twenty-seven-year-old Nani’s right footed shot and took lead by 1-0. On the other hand, USA strived to equalize but failed in the first half to do so. First half completed with one goal lead for Portugal.
In the beginning of the second half, Brazuca was moving from Portuguese goal post to Americans goal post. In the 64th minute of the match Jermaine Jones from USA equalized on corner kick. Clint Dempsey scored second goal of the match for United States of America in 81st minutes of the match.
Thrill of the match at its best in the remaining time after the second goal of USA. Americans had to block Portuguese attack while in the same time Portugal needed a goal to remain in the tournament. Portugal attacked four times in nine minutes and also won a free kick, but could not break Americans defense.
Just before the seconds to final whistle, Midfielder, Silvestre Varela on the pass of Cristiano Ronaldo, delivered the ball into the net of US goal post through his header. That equalizer by Varela stunned the USA’s crowd in the Arena.
Portugal’s progress for the second stage relay on the defeat of USA against Germany while in the result of draw, United States of America will proceed to the second stage along with Germany.
Next Group Meetings: Portugal will play their decider against Ghana while Germany will be against USA in the next matches of group G.
By: Abdullah Waheed