Written By: GPB Sports Intern Savannah Pratt

Red, white and blue, painted faces stood as a united force of about 20,000 fans at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil on Sunday, June 22. After winning the match against Ghana last week, 2-1, fans had high hopes for the United States’ second match against Portugal.

The game was played with intense fashion. Within the first five minutes of the game, Portugal took the lead by making the first goal. The U.S. finally tied the game when Jermaine Jones saw an opening in Portugal’s defense and kicked an incredible goal in the 64th minute.

Then, Clint Dempsey in the 81st minute bounced the ball off his stomach into the net. This put the U.S. in the lead, 2-1. Next, the U.S. defense began to perform at full capacity. At this point, they only needed to keep Portugal from making another goal in order to take the win.

Team USA, seconds from being placed in the round of 16, left Portugal’s goal un-defended. In heart-stopping drama, Portugal took the opportunity and scored, delivering the ultimate equalizer in the last seconds of the game! The game ended 2-2, leaving U.S. fans stunned.

“It’s unfortunate, but it was an amazing game. Amazing performance by all our guys…now we go in a tougher way, got to beat Germany and that is what we are going to do,” stated USA Coach Klinsmann.

Even thousands of miles away, fans were dedicated to cheering for their team USA. But in the last seconds of the game, the mood shifted for U.S. fans that were watching the game on TVs at Chilis’ restaurant in West Cobb, Ga. The enthusiasm that had filled the restaurant quickly turned into disappointment so thick you could cut it with a knife.

The United States are afforded another opportunity to stay alive in the World Cup when they play Germany next Thursday. This will be a tough game. However, all the U.S. needs is a draw with Germany to advance into the round of 16.