Video: United States Men’s National Team vs. Portugal, Pre-game
The United States Men’s National Team looks to continue their run at the 2014 World Cup on Sunday against Portugal.
Who: USMNT vs Portugal
When: June 22nd, 2014 at 5 PM CDT
Where: Arena Amazona; Manaus, Brazil.
Streams: ESPN, Watch ESPN
2002 World Cup South Korea and Japan
USA previously beat Portugal in the 2002 World Cup which was held in South Korea and Japan. USMNT member DaMarcus Beasley is the only current player to have also been a part of the 2002 squad.
Portugal came into the match as not only heavy favorites to win the match, but also heavy favorites to win the World Cup. USA was not intimidated as they jumped on Portugal early when John O’Brien was able to put his foot to a blocked header that rebounded off the defender and landed near the far post. O’Brien blasted it into the top of goal and USA had a 1-0 lead in only the 4th minute.
USA was able to add to their lead midway through the first half when Landon Donovan collected a ball down the right wing and attempted to send a cross into the box, but the ball deflected off a Portugal defender and found its way into the goal to give USA the 2-0 lead in the 29th minute.
USA was able to strike once more in the first half on a cross came into the box from the right flank. Brian McBride laid out and with a diving header and was able to direct the ball into the back of the net to give USA a 3-0 lead in the 36th minute.
Portugal was able to pull one back late in the first half that was very similar to United States Men’s National Team’s first goal. A cross was sent in the box and a header was attempted on frame but was spilled out in front of goal. Beto was able to power it into the back of the net to breathe life into Portugal and make it 3-1 in the 39th minute.
Portugal was right back in the game when US defender Jeff Agoos attempted to deflect a shot from the left flank with his foot, but instead sent it straight into goal. The USA still led 3-2 in the 71st minute.
USA was reeling after suffering a devastating own goal but was able to shock the world by holding on to beat Portugal 3-2.
Injury Update
- USA will be playing without Jozy Altidore, who left in the first half of the game against Ghana with what is being called a hamstring strain.
- Clint Dempsey will play despite suffering a broken nose against Ghana. Rumors are he will not use a mask.
- Matt Besler is also expected to play despite suffering a slight hamstring injury that saw him pulled out of the game at half time against Ghana.
If you missed USA’s first game against Ghana, you missed a great game in which Sporting Kansas City’s own Graham Zusi, who was a late sub, get the game winning assist in the 86th minute. Check out John Viril’s article to help you relive the moment.
This reaction to the game winning goal—straight from Kansas City—is sure to give you goosebumps as well. Who Some of you might have been involved.
Also sure to amp you up for the big game is my favorite USA hype video, here:
[vimeo 97929868 w=500 h=281]
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I believe that we will win!