Context is everything.
Last Monday afternoon, the United States likely would have signed on for four points in its first two games at the 2014 World Cup, especially as it happened, with a victory over Ghana and a tie against Portugal. But the context at the time was that of an underdog U.S. squad that was clawing for hope at the round of 16 heading into the game against Germany. The context at this time is a U.S. team that was less than a minute away from the knockout stages, only to concede a late equalizer that never should have been.
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The U.S. deserves credit. After a Geoff Cameron flub fell neatly for Portugal’s Nani to put the U.S. in an early hole, the team rebounded with strong play throughout the first half. Jermaine Jones’ equalizer was well deserved, and Clint Dempsey’s go-ahead goal came as a result of exploiting the Portuguese left, something that had been open to the U.S. all night. Cristiano Ronaldo was a non-factor, save one brilliant ball, which unfortunately, was the difference.
However, the fact remains that two errors, one physical by Cameron and one mental by Michael Bradley, cost the U.S. the full three points and a spot in the round of 16. The knockout stages are still a possibility, and a point from that final game against Germany may not even be necessary depending on the result between Ghana and Portugal. It’s exactly what the U.S. wanted coming into the tournament. But to be so close to be through and now to have its fate very much up in the air, has to be a kick in the teeth to all involved with the stars and stripes.
Player Ratings – (1-10, 1 = poor, 5 = average, 10 = excellent)
Starters
GK Tim Howard (7) – Howard had a mishap near the end of the first half, and was bailed out by the post, but he recovered to make an incredible save seconds later. He was solid besides that though and cannot be blamed for either of the two goals.
D Fabian Johnson (8) – Ronaldo moved around the offensive third, so Johnson wasn’t tasked with marking him alone. Overall, he did a good job getting forward and created a golden chance that nearly resulted in a U.S. goal. Debatable whether he’s at fault for the late goal, though from my point of view, Cameron was the man who should have done a better job marking.
D Geoff Cameron (3) – The night was bookended with horror moments from Cameron. He handed Portugal its opener when he shanked a clearance that fell right to Nani. Then on the last action of the night, Cameron did a poor job at attacking the Cristiano Ronaldo cross that Silvestre Varela headed home. Considering how good Cameron was against Ghana, the reemergence of the shoddy play that plagued him in the send-off series could not have come at a worse time.
D Matt Besler (7) – Besler followed up a strong half against Ghana with a great game against Portugal making multiple key stops and interceptions. His ball distribution was solid as well, with just three unsuccessful passes all night. Looked to aggravate his hamstring late, but stayed on.
D DaMarcus Beasley (6) – A much better job from Beasley Sunday, despite the fact Portugal Ronaldo went at him a few times. The cross did come from Beasley’s side, but it’s hard to fault him for it, given that Ronaldo was certainly a threat to run by him.
M Kyle Beckerman (6) – Beckerman did his part of an anchor, doing a solid job at shielding the backline and resetting play when the U.S. had to pass it back in possession. He wasn’t a standout player, but not the problem either.
M Michael Bradley (4.5) – It was a better game than Bradley had against Ghana. He would have had a goal on most nights. But the bottom line is the turnovers have been brutal from Bradley this tournament, and the giveaway in the final minute directly resulted in the tying goal for Portugal. A veteran has to know he cannot lose the ball in that spot - even if it means he hoofs it down the field or out of bounds. Once again, the U.S. has to shrug its shoulders and hope for a better game from Bradley against Germany.
M Jermaine Jones (7) – Jones worked hard again and was rewarded with a brilliant shot from distance that got the U.S.'s first goal. Seemed to tire late, picking up a card in the process.
M Alejandro Bedoya (5) – Largely anonymous performance from Bedoya, who worked hard defensively but didn’t contribute much on the offensive side of things - most of his actions came in the midfield, rather than the final third. Was far less of a threat going forward than his replacement, DeAndre Yedlin, was.
M Graham Zusi (6) – While Zusi’s passing and touch was spotty at times, his composure was absolutely key on the second U.S. goal. He also was useful in defense, with a couple of tackles and interceptions in his own half.
F Clint Dempsey (8) - Dempsey worked hard without a whole lot of support in the first half and generated some chances with his physical play. Was far less of a factor in the second half, but popped up in the right place to bury home what should have been the winner. Don’t be surprised if Dempsey is again alone up top when the U.S. takes the field against Germany.
Substitutes:
DeAndre Yedlin (6) – Thrown into the fire, Yedlin pushed forward fairly well. His speed led to the attack that should have been the winner. He also was smart in taking the ball into the corner late to help kill off the game.
Chris Wondolowski (NR) – Wondo came on late for Clint Dempsey and killed about a minute of stoppage time by taking the ball into the corner. A smart move, though it was all for not.
Omar Gonzalez (NR) – Came on for Zusi in stoppage time and never got the chance to make an impact.