USMNT Sent Cristiano Ronaldo and Team Back Home With Their Clutch Performances During 2014 FIFA World Cup

The soccer world never ceases to provide us with an ‘updated’ version of the ‘David vs Goliath’ story. The tension, the drama, and the excitement that a stadium holds within itself for 90 minutes or so are surreal. Every pass, kick, and touch of the ball carries a thousand gasps and a million hopes. Hopes of defeating the Goliath, and standing victorious in the middle of the pitch. One such case was the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where the USMNT was the ‘David’ facing not one but two ‘Goliaths’ in Germany and Portugal.

What followed for the three group stage matches for the USMNT is inked in gold in the US Men’s soccer history.

USMNT knocked Portugal out of the World Cup

It’s matchday 2 for the US Men in the group stage. A comparatively young, inexperienced team who is fresh on the pitch after a 2-1 win against the mighty and ever-unpredictable Ghana. And they face the might of Portugal standing on the other side of the pitch, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The referee blows his whistle to signal the start of the match. And 5 minutes later, the gleaming wave of hope of all Americans turns into an eerie blanket of despair as Nani slots home the opening goal of the game. But with 85 minutes still left on the clock, the US team still dreamed on. At halftime, Portugal led 1-0. The second half begins, and at the 64-minute mark, Jermaine Jones scored the equalizer to ignite the fire from the dying embers. In minute 81, Clint Dempsey scores the goal that sends everyone into a frenzy. USMNT led the match by 2-1. 94 minutes go by as the US leads the game and can almost touch a historic win. But fate had other plans.

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Substitute Silvestre Varela scored a 95th-minute equalizer for Portugal to end the game 2-2. On the final day of group stage matches, USMNT went up against Germany as Portugal faced Ghana. The Portuguese needed a win against Ghana and also required Germany to pummel America. While Portugal won their game 2-1, the USA showed a gritty display and lost their game 1-0, sending Portugal out of the tournament on goal difference.

The end of the dream run but the start of a new era

People say, ‘All good things must come to an end’ and it stood true for the USMNT. After a heroic entry into the knockout rounds, they were defeated by Belgium 2-1, but the win did not come easy. At the end of the 90, with the teams tied 0-0, the game went to extra time where Belgium took a 2-0 lead. Julian Green scored one goal at the 107′ mark, but it was not enough as Belgium held on to their lead.

The 2014 performance of the team lit a fire that burns bright to this day. World-Class players such as Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic have come forth, and are making a statement about the quality of the US men’s soccer team.

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With the Qatar World Cup just months away, the USMNT will be looking to improve on its performances from the 2014 tournament. And with players like de la Fuente, Pulisic, and others, the hopes of all of America are high.