The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is quite captivating. Today, perhaps, more than any other for American fans.
Just hours before the NBA Draft makes headlines across the nation, the United States Men’s National Team faced their biggest game early in the world’s largest sports tournament. They faced Germany, currently ranked No. 2 in among all teams.
A win or tie and America would advance. A loss, however, could open a couple possibilities.
Everything looked hopeful heading after the first half, as both teams managed solid defense and held to a 0-0 tie. However, the Eagles of Germany struck first, scoring the only goal of the match at the 55th minute in the second half.
Following a corner kick, a deflected header by Mesut Ozil was blocked by American goalkeeper Tim Howard. Unfortunately, he deflected the ball directly to German forward Thomas Müller. Needless to say, he hammered the ball home with a beautiful crossing strike for the go-ahead goal.
Down 0-1, the Yanks faced the uncertainty that should Ghana win or tie Portugal, provided Ghana scored at least two goals, they would advance to the knockout round in lieu of the U.S..
Fortunately, the world’s best player came through for America. Cristiano Ronaldo got the winning goal in the 80th minute of Group G’s other game, providing Team USA more time and opportunity to continue believing—as is the team mantra, “I believe!”
Ronaldo’s goal gave Americans around the country a significant amount of relief and joy. ESPN summarized the feeling succinctly in one tweet.
From: U.S. Soccer fans To: Cristiano Ronaldo Subject: THANK YOU!!!
— ESPN (@espn) June 26, 2014
NBA athletes were no different.
yessir Portugal! preciate it scrap — Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) June 26, 2014
good looks @Cristiano
— Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) June 26, 2014
timeout, Bron got 13mil followers, this man @Cristiano has 27mil… 27 bruh. #futbol
— Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) June 26, 2014
Thank you Ronaldo — Peyton Siva Jr (@PeypeySiva3) June 26, 2014
Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/zSgsEwtbfT — Peyton Siva Jr (@PeypeySiva3) June 26, 2014
Survive and advance — Peyton Siva Jr (@PeypeySiva3) June 26, 2014
Y the goalie from #ghana wouldn’t just catch the ball I dunno… #ha ha but thank u for that. #usa — Patrick Patterson (@pdpatt) June 26, 2014