Portugal 2 - 2 USA - Late Equalizer From Portuguese Hands Ghana a lifeline Ahead of Final Day of Group G on Thursday

It was unbelievable drama at the Amazon Stadium in Manaus as a 95th minute header from Portugal's Silvestre Varela against an impressive USA side handed Ghana a lifeline by blowing Group G wide open.

Varela's header, connecting with a brilliant cross from a half-fit captain Cristiano Ronaldo, came right at the death, and means Group G heads into the final day without a known definite pair of teams going into the Round of 16.

The Portuguese had raced into an early lead after just five minutes via Louis Nani, but the USA dominated from there on and were rewarded 19 minutes into the second half when Jermaine Jones put them level with a sweet hit.

Jurgen Klinsmann's men carried on in what turned out to be an enthralling end to end game, finally finding a breakthrough nine minutes from time via skipper Clint Dempsey, who tapped in his second goal of the tournament from close range.

But with just seconds to go, the USA already celebrating qualification on their touchline, coach Paulo Bento's A Selecaostunned the Americans and indeed the world with an equalizer, sending Ghanaian fans into a state of jubilation.

Ghana will now play Portugal on Thursday in Brasilia with a chance of qualifying, albeit slim.
The permutations are now in full force for the Black Stars as the inevitable calculations begin as Group G delves into a cliff hanger final day.

A draw between Germany and the USA would spell elimination, but Ghana can pull through if they win by at least two or more goals and the Germans beat the USA. Meanwhile, a USA win against the Germans would mean Ghana would have to beat Portugal by four or more goals.

It will be fingers crossed across as Ghanaians sit on tenterhooks in what promises to be nerve-racking finale to Group G in four days' time.

SOURCE: Allsports