The USMNT's second match of the group stage pits it against European power Portugal on June 22nd. Portugal opens the World Cup against tournament-favorite Germany, so depending on the results of that match Portugal could be in a must-win situation against the United States. The United States and Portugal famously met in the group stage of the 2002 World Cup. Portugal entered that year as a favorite to win it all, but the United States' 3-2 victory sent Portugal crashing out of the tournament and the U.S. advanced all the way to the quarterfinals.
Portugal is located on the Iberian Peninsula in the western part of Europe. Portugal is a republic, governed by a President, as well as the Assembly of the Republic that is elected by the people. At one time, Portugal had a rather extensive empire through South America (which is why they speak Portuguese in Brazil), as well as Africa, though all of its colonial possessions were granted independence by 1975. Portugal is also famous for its port wine, so if you fancy a post-dinner cordial during the U.S. match (the match IS at dinner time on the East Coast), you'd better stick to sherry or brandy to avoid supporting the opposition.
The Portuguese national anthem, “A Portuguesa," is a beautiful, regal medley that includes the poetic lyrics, “Salute the Sun that rises on a smiling future; let the echo of an insult be the signal for our revival. the rays of that powerful dawn are like a mother’s kisses that protect us and support us against the insults of fate.” Taking the United States out of the equation for obvious reasons, Portugal makes a compelling case to have the best national anthem in Group G (more on this when The18 gets to our Germany match preview).
“A Portuguesa" – The Portuguese National Anthem
After finishing second in its group during the UEFA World Cup, qualifying behind Russia, Portugal was forced to enter the playoffs in order to qualify. Matched up with fellow superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden in the playoffs, Ronaldo scored four goals (to Zlatan’s two) leading Portugal to an aggregate 4-2 victory over two matches that secured its spot in the World Cup. Although forced to qualify via the playoffs, Portugal is currently ranked 4th in the FIFA World Rankings entering World Cup play, making it a formidable opponent for the United States.
Ronaldo was dominate in Portugal's victories over Sweden (Photo; @MLS | Twitter)
Portugal is of course, led by captain and international superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo, who was named after U.S. President Ronald Reagan, plays his club football with Real Madrid and was named the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or winner earlier this year, solidifying himself as one of the world’s top footballers. Ronaldo, stunning both on the pitch and in the face, has struggled through a series of injuries following Real Madrid’s triumph in the Champions League final. Ronaldo has missed training and several friendlies recently with patellar tendinosis in his left knee, which led to concerns about CR7’s availability for the group stage matches. The unusual injury may or may not have been caused by Ghanian witch doctor Nana Kwaku Bonsam which translates to "the Devil of Wednesday." Bonsam claimed in a radio interview that he was the cause of Ronaldo’s injury, saying this injury can never be cured by any medic, and that they can never see what is causing the injury because it is spiritual. Today it will be his knee, the next day it will be his thigh, next day something else. Well then.
Thankfully for Portugal, it appears as though Ronaldo has been able to overcome the Devil of Wednesday’s sorcery (at least temporarily) as he has resumed training and will be fit for the opener against Germany. There is no doubt that Portugal will only go as far in this World Cup as its superstar can take them.
Amazing as Ronaldo may be, Portugal still has to play 10 men alongside him at the World Cup. Former Chelsea and current Fenerbahce midfielder, Raul Meireles is another critical part of the squad. Known mostly for his mohawk haircut and homeless man / Zach Galifianakis-esque beard, Meireles’s balanced offensive and defensive abilities in the middle of the pitch will be critical in allowing Ronaldo to terrorize down the left flank with impunity. He will be complemented in the middle by rising star William Carvalho of Sporting Lisbon. Seen as the next big thing for Portugal, Carvalho who was born in Angola, made his debut for his country during the November 2013 playoff against Sweden. Nominally, he is a defensive midfielder, but he has the skill set to also be a threat going forward. Although his place in the starting 11 in Brazil is not yet secured, he is already the subject of a bidding war between Manchester United and Liverpool for his services next campaign. The other Portuguese player that American soccer fans may recognize will be Nani, who despite limited playing time for Manchester United this season, should line up on the opposite wing of the pitch from Ronaldo. If Nani can recapture his form of years past despite his rust, the combination of these two wingers will be a deadly one.
Nani will be a key part to Portugal's attack in the World Cup. (Photo; @ballsdotie | Twitter)
Each match that the United States faces during the group stage will be tougher than the previous one. In Portugal, they face perhaps the world’s greatest player in Cristiano Ronaldo, and minimizing the impact that he has on the match will be one of the toughest tactical tests that U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann faces in Brazil. It is likely that the primary duty will fall on Fabian Johnson, the presumed starter at right back. Johnson’s ability to shadow Ronaldo while also providing a threat going forward could very well determine whether the United States is able to secure a result against the Portuguese. If the U.S. is able to defeat Ghana in its opening match, perhaps a draw against Portugal would be enough, but getting points out of this match is a must for the Americans.
The United States plays Portugal on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. EST on ESPN
