itsbeautifuloutside

USA v Portugal

Manaus, 22nd June 2014

Match Report

Portugal went into this game owing there fans a better performance than they managed against Germany and knowing that a defeat will put them out of this tournament

USA kicked off and the Portuguese seemed hungry and got the break they needed in the 5th minute, a fairly weak cross into the area was miscued by Cameron, the ball fell to Nani in plenty of space who had the simple task of putting the ball past Tim Howard.

USA 0 Portugal 1

Portugal boosted by the goal started to dominate, USA struggled to keep the ball for the next ten minutes but slowly started getting in the game having a few long range shots going close, Portugal seemed happy to soak up USA attacks and catch them on the break, on the stroke of halftime Portugal should of had a second Nani hit the post, the ball comes out to Eder, who shoots but somehow Howard manages to make a great save.

Second half, Portugal start the brighter side, but were leaving large holes in defence, USA started to look dangerous on the break and with better passing they could have equalised.

After 54 minutes USA really should have equalised, a great move ends with the ball falling to Bradley, with the keeper nowhere. He shoots, only to hit the knee of Costa who had dived across the line in hope, the ball bounces away.

This game is really end to end, USA pushing hard for the goal but leaving lots of gaps at the back, which Portugal should have exploited, but Ronaldo needed to find his accurate shooting boots.

After 63 minutes USA got the goal they worked so hard for, a corner is headed clear to Jones who takes a touch before firing a fantastic shot through the crowd of players into the far corner, that really was unstoppable.

USA 1 Portugal 1

A draw is not really good enough for Portugal and they respond with wave after wave of attacks, Tim Howard having a fantastic game saving everything that came his way.

In the 82nd minute there was a rare USA attack, Yedlyn gets to the byeline crosses to Bradley who knocks the ball wide to Zusi who puts the ball across the goal for Dempsey to put the ball in off his chest, unbelievable

USA 2 Portugal 1

For the final 10 mins Portugal continued to have attack after attack, but just as I thought the goal was never going to come and I could conclude this report, there was a great cross from Ronaldo who finds Varela, who puts a header past Howard to give Portugal the draw they deserved.

What a fantastic game! USA 2 Portugal 2

Which takes us to Thursday for the final games, if Germany draw with USA (who are managed by former German star player Klinsmann) then both Nations will go through

sotonian