World Cup: USA Squanders Golden Opportunity vs Portugal

By now, American football diehards are bemoaning the fact that a literally last-second goal from FC Porto winger Silvestre Varela robbed them of the three points they needed to make sure they move on to the next round.

And gnash their teeth they should. This Portugal team is nothing like its predecessors, seemingly made more out of flair than of substance.

And while they still have one of the top players in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal has not even been less-than-impressive. They have been downright dismal.

In fact, the only reason they have not yet been pilloried around the world is because defending champions Spain have been a disaster like no other, bombing out of the competition as early as their second group game.

But this Portugal team is arguably one of the most dysfunctional teams in the competition, and the US have squandered a golden opportunity to make sure they make it to the next round.

Up next is Germany, who have been at the top of their games. If the US loses to them, the tiebreakers come into play...and the US may have even more reason to rue this costly draw.