World Cup 2014 Results, Analysis, Forecast -- USA vs. Portugal: What We Learned From 2-2 Draw
The United States and Portugal battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw Sunday in Manaus that brought about a great deal of highs and lows for both countries.
Here are some observations on how the game played out:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo not up to full strength
The reigning Ballon d'Or player had a game to forget June 16 against Germany, and many expected him to bounce back and put on a show against the Americans. He did not live up to his billing completely.
Early on the superstar showed off his skills and looked determined to take over the game. But then, he slowly faded into the background as the United States took over the game and drove the play. Ronaldo's early flashes of brilliance became a fading memory, and it would seem that his performance at the World Cup would continue to undermine the greatest he has exhibited at the club level. But right as the game came to an end, Ronaldo showed up to save his team and at least delay what looks like the inevitable. He ran down the right with the ball and fired a cross that was eventually put home for game tying goal. The finish was exquisite, but the pinpoint accuracy of the cross was even better.
However, his inconsistent play through two games makes it clear that Ronaldo is still suffering from injury and it is probably that the superstar will not be able to show his best in what will be his final World Cup in peak form.
2. Times and expectations have changed in the United States
There was a time when the United States was looked down on as a soccer nation. The reality is that soccer was not a major sport in the country, and this lack of priority made it clear on the pitch. While the Americans were better than other nations in some sports (mainly basketball and American football), they were nowhere near elite in the world's most popular sport. They are not there yet, but the progress shown in this tournament has certainly created greater belief and expectations.
The United States was not supposed to get out of this group. Ending the jinx against Ghana was essential from a mental standpoint, but losses against Germany and Portugal were not only expected, but even acceptable. On Sunday, the Americans defied expectations and proved that they not only expected to get out of the group but expected to do so by dominating top-end teams like Portugal. They were the better side on the pitch throughout the encounter and should have come away with three points.
Now they have a chance to get out of the group with a draw against Germany. And the possibility of being among the final 16 is not only a very major reality, but an expectation at this point.
3. Michael Bradley better but not good enough
In the opening game, Michael Bradley was the poster boy for everything that went wrong with the United States. The team eeked out a win against Ghana, but no thanks went to Bradley, who incessantly gave the ball away in the wrong spots and simply did not look sharp in creating the American attack. He was much better against Portugal and was even instrumental in the setup to the two goals, but his giveaway at the very end of the game proved costly to American dreams. He has still not reached the elite level status expected of him.
4. Portugal in Shambles
Everyone knew that Ronaldo was the superstar and the major reason why Portugal would sink or swim in this tournament. But few expected the team to rely so heavily on him. There were still hopes that other talented players like Nani, Joao Moutinho, Meireles and Bruno Alves would at least help in proving him with a solid supporting cast. But those who remained dubious appear to have been proven right after the horrid display from most of these players through two games.
Aside from Ronaldo and his attempts at being a hero, no other player has managed to rise to the occasion to bail out the injured captain. Nani has done his best, but that means being a selfish player incapable of making intelligent passes to his other teammates. He does not seem to realize that his talent is not good enough for him to take on the entire defense on his own. The others have simply been invisible, and it looks very likely that the Iberian side will get blown out by Ghana the way it has been playing. The African nation has been arguably the most consistently good team in the entire group through two games and should not have many problems dispatching a team playing the way that Portugal has. Whoever expected a deep run, this writer included, was utterly mistaken.
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