Oh so close

Now it will take a win or a tie against Germany or a tie between Ghana and Portugal.  Two weeks ago any of these seemed unlikely and the first impossible.  But as tonight's game and a number of others have shown, anything can happen in this World Cup.

Who would've thought Spain would be eliminated in the first round or that Portugal's hopes would end after two games?  The former has happened and the latter was just seconds away from happening - until Varestre Varela headed home a perfect cross from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 95th minute to salvage a 2-2 tie and Portugal's slim chances of advancing.

It was a great game, regardless of the outcome as the Americans fought back from a 1-0 deficit created by Geoff Cameron's bad clearing attempt in the 5th minute.  Unfortunately the ball went to his left rather than upfield, and landed at the feet of Nani, who took advantage.

A spectacular shot by Jermaine Jones equalized in the 64th minute and the fans were thinking a tie wouldn't be too bad after the opening round win over Ghana.  But when Clint Dempsey scored in the 81st minute, it appeared that a place in the quarterfinals was secure. 

In between Portugal's two goals, there was spectacular goaltending by American Tim Howard who very properly was named Budweiser Man of the Match.

You still have the like USA's chances as they need a win or tie against Germany Thursday or a tie between Portugal and Ghana, to go through.  The New York Times provides this analysis  of the possibilities.