In Group G - it's time for decisive battles. After losing the first match, the Portuguese national team had to beat the representatives of the USA, but the match ended 2-2 and the Europeans were left with only theoretical chances to advance to the next stage.
The meeting started with a goal by Nani in the 5th minute - G. Cameron failed to properly clear the ball from the penalty area, it fell straight to the Portuguese player's feet, and T. Howard had to lower his head and watch the opponents' celebration.
The Americans made every effort to equalize the score, but neither C. Dempsey's penalty kick, nor M. Bradley's powerful shot hit the target.
In the 26th minute, C. Dempsey had another chance, but the Portuguese defenders cleared the ball from the penalty area and the USA had to settle for a corner kick.
In the 31st minute, F. Johnson dangerously shot from a distance.
Before the break, the Portuguese launched a very dangerous attack - Nani shot from a distance, the ball hit the bar, and Howard blocked Eder's shot.
In the 54th minute, M. Bradley missed an ideal opportunity - R. Costa cleared the ball from the goal line. Ten minutes later, the long-awaited American goal fell - J. Jones's long shot left Beto with no chance as he only watched the ball go by with his eyes.
In the 81st minute, C. Dempsey found himself in the embrace of his teammates - the forward took advantage of a rising confusion and directed the ball into the net with his belly. However, P. Bento's pupils managed to save themselves and thus keep alive at least the theoretical chances to go further - C. Ronaldo accurately passed to S. Valera, who equalized the score with a header.
Result:
USA 2 - 2 Portugal
5' [0 - 1] Nani
64' [1 - 1] J. Jones
81' [2 - 1] C. Dempsey
90' [2 - 2] S. Valera
Starting lineups:
Portugal: Beto, Bruno Alves, Veloso, Ronaldo (c), Moutinho, Costa, Meireles, Nani, A. Almeida, Pereira, Postiga.
USA: Howard, Bradley, Besler, Beasley, Dempsey (c), Bedoya, Jones, Beckerman, Zusi, Cameron, Johnson
Group G standings:
| Place | Team | Matches | Points | Goal difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Germany | 2 | 4 | +4 |
| 2. | USA | 2 | 4 | +1 |
| 3. | Ghana | 2 | 1 | -1 |
| 4. | Portugal | 2 | 1 | -4 |
