USA Portugal WC 2014
Varella's header goal in added time crushed the United States hopes of a victory Sunday. Reuters

The United States missed its chance for first in its group and advancement to Round of 16 thanks to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo but strengthened its World Cup hopes nonetheless, drawing a 2-2 tie against Portugal Sunday.

Ronaldo was inconsistent throughout the match but the one ball he struck landed perfectly on the head of midfielder Varela in the 95th minute of play to keep Portugal alive.

The U.S. maintains second in Group G behind Germany, but isn’t guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage with Portugal and Ghana still in contention.

After early struggles and down at the half, the Yanks didn’t panic and midfielder Jermaine Jones erased the one goal deficit in the 64th minute with an incredible strike from outside the box.

Forward Clint Dempsey would then body his second goal of the tournament into the net in the 81st minute and gave the U.S. a lead that seemed impossible for Portugal to overcome.

With people around the globe going to great lengths just to watch the critical match, U.S. supporters and media took to Twitter throughout the match and five minutes in they were quick to deride the Yanks poor early play.

There was of course a split between those who adore Ronaldo, and those who never miss an opportunity to bash him.

Portugal forward Nani’s goal in front of the net exploited poor clearance play from the U.S. backline and supporters ripped into defender Geoff Cameron and goalkeeper Tim Howard.

The Portuguese were quicker to the ball, and played with far more immediacy early. Also the glaring talent gap and overall skill advantage of Portugal was clear from the get go, and fans even took a shot at U.S. women's team goalie Hope Solo.

Amidst the sweltering and humid weather conditions, ESPN dropped a pun after U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinnsman called for a water break late in the first half.

A two goal deficit before the intermission would have devastated the U.S., but Howard would later win supporters back with his two incredible saves off shots from Eder and Nani again during added time in the first half.

In need of some heroics as the second half began, fans also wondered when defender John Brooks would swoop in like he did against Ghana.

Midfielder Michael Bradley came up with the best chance for the U.S. to tie it up, but Ricardo Costa denied him.

With his injured left knee probably acting up, Ronaldo also took a ton of heat about his dives and defense.

After Jones tied the game up, many were quick to pounce on how the goal looked maybe a little awkward and that it wasn’t expected from the 32-year-old with only four international goals in his career.
Dempsey's goal appeared to be winner and was met with elation.

And while fans first grew impatient with Ronaldo, he certainly pulled through in the end with "A Song of Fire And Ice" author George R.R. Martin summing things up.

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