Reuters
MANAUS, JUNE 23
PORTUGUESE substitute Silvestre Varela grabbed a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw with the United States in World Cup Group G on Sunday.
Just as it looked as though the Americans had secured a come-from-behind victory to qualify for the second round, Varela scored with a flying header from a Cristiano Ronaldo cross.
Clint Dempsey had given the United States the lead in the 81st minute, steering the ball home with his stomach from close range.
Portugal had taken an early lead and then sat back in the heat and humidity, allowing the Americans to start dominating.
It was little surprise when midfielder Jermaine Jones cut in from the left in the 64th minute and fired in a superb right- foot curling shot from 25 metres to equalize.
The result means the U.S. are in second place, level with Germany on four points, and Portugal are third with one and face a tough task to make the next round.
Portugal took the lead in the fifth minute when U.S. defender Geoff Cameron swung a foot at a Miguel Veloso cross and succeeded only in slicing the ball across his own area right to the feet of Nani who scored easily.
The Portuguese played slowly, appearing to try to conserve energy in the tough conditions. The temperature in the Amazonia arena was 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) at kickoff with a humidity reading of 65 percent.
Portugal nevertheless looked capable of scoring again and Nani hit the left-hand post in the 45th minute from outside the area.
The ball rebounded to Eder but his looping shot was brilliantly scooped over the bar by U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Portugal started with Ronaldo, who has been trying to shake off a knee injury. He only shone fitfully against the Americans, leaving the best until last.
‘Average’ Portugal can’t win WC: Ronaldo
Agencies
MANAUS, JUNE 23
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has remarkably admitted that he never believed his ‘average’ side could win the World Cup. The Seleccao are still in with a chance of making the last 16 but even if they were to beat Ghana in their final match a draw between Germany and the United States would see those two sides advance from Group G.
“Maybe we’re an average team,” he said. “It would be a lie to say that we are a ‘top’ team. We have many limitations and suffer from injuries such as with Pepe [who was suspended] and [Fabio] Coentrao. This limits us a lot. We have a very limited team and we are not at the best level. This does not enable you to beat top teams.”
“There are no miracles. We knew we would have a tough group, with perhaps teams better than us. I never thought we could be world champions, we have to be humble and know our level. I’m not a hypocrite, I never thought we could win the tournament “
The 29-year-old was not as candid about the knee injury which has troubled him since the end of the domestic season, but did hint at the extent of the problem and insisted he would battle on.
“I don’t want to justify myself by talking about my physical problems, that’s water under the bridge,” he added.
“I’m here, I’m fighting, I’m trying to do my best, I’m running, and obviously it’s no use talking about my issues. Every day there’s something new in the papers about my knee, and about this and that. That’s why I don’t want to justify myself. I’m here body and soul to help the national team.”
Ronaldo also admitted Portugal looked tired against Jurgen Klinsmann’s men in the humid conditions of the Amazon, but did not feel able to expand on that fully due to his own struggles. “I’m not the most adequate person to answer that question, especially because I don’t have the moral high ground here since I haven’t been playing the way I would hope lately.”
“Obviously we had a very long season, but every team here did as well. They were also playing the Champions League and cups and leagues, so it’s something everyone else could point out as well. I don’t think we lost [sic] the game because our players lacked attitude. Every team comes here to win. We knew we weren’t favourites, we have never been.”
