USA vs. Portugal

      In a fantastic exhibition, Team USA held Portugal and Ronaldo to a 2-2 tie.  It was closer than that and much more than the score indicated.  Jurgen Klinsman was exaltant as his team held a 2-1 advantage going into the 5 minutes of extended time.  As the clock counted down the final seconds, a collective band of fans held its breathe.
     Ronaldo streaked down the side and launched a crossing pass to center and, miracle of miracles, the ball found the head of his teammate who accurately headed the ball past the outstretched hand of the  American goalie, Tim Howard, who watched the ball gathered by the net.  Tying meant waiting for another week before going on or going home.
     So close, so close.   2 American goals earlier had sent fans into a state of euphoria, only to be stunned into silence in the last seconds.  Heartache.
    Soccer!