The US national team was so close to a win on Sunday, but with the last play of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo finally showed up and delivered a beautiful cross to Silvestre Varela’s head. That tied the match 2-2 to ensure that all four teams will have a chance to advance out of Group G.
This was the fourth goal scored in the 90th minute or later at the World Cup against the US since 1990. Two of those goals did not have much say in the outcome, as one was in 1990 against Czechoslovakia, when the US were already soundly beaten. The other was in 1994 against Colombia when the US were up 2-0 and trying to salt away the game.
The third goal scored against the US past the 90th minute was Asamoah Gyan’s in extra time to send USA packing at the 2010 World Cup. Varela's goal joins that one as a heartbreaker for US fans.
This time, however, they at least have a shot to advance to the next round. Some other interesting facts from this game:
• The US completed 86 percent of their passes. That is the highest passing accuracy they have ever had in a World Cup game.
• The US also had the best passing accuracy they have ever had in the final third at 71.1 percent. The previous record was 69.6 percent against Iran in 1998.
• Portugal took 21 shots against the US, the same amount that Ghana took. Portugal got more shots on target with seven as opposed to Ghana’s three.
• The US took 14 crosses, they completed none of them. This is the first World Cup game where they have failed to complete a cross.
• In 10 of the 18 five-minute intervals, the US controlled the majority of the possession. They only controlled possession in three of the 18 intervals against Ghana.
• After setting a team record with 45 clearances against Ghana, the US had only 29 against Portugal. This shows they were under less pressure against Portugal than they were on Monday.
• Jermaine Jones, Graham Zusi, and Clint Dempsey created two chances each to lead the team.
• Although he did not seem all too involved in the game at time, Ronaldo was tied with Clint Dempsey in the game for most touches in the opponents box with six.
• Matt Besler had a combined 19 clearances, blocks, and interceptions in the game, by far the most. Ricardo Costa had the second most with 10.
Check out some other statistics from the game yourself in the MatchCenter.
