Clint Dempsey scored the goal to put the U.S. men’s soccer team ahead of Portugal late in the second half of their World Cup game Sunday night.

Clint Dempsey Scores Against Portugal

With less than 10 minutes to go in the game with the U.S. tied 1-1 with Portugal, a shot by Michael Bradley was deflected out wide to Graham Zusi, who crossed the ball in front of the goal mouth, finding Dempsey, who chested the ball into the back of the net.

Dempsey’s goal in the 81st minute of play made it seem almost certain that the U.S. would get the three points and a trip into the next round of the World Cup. Deep into stoppage time, however, Portugal found a tying goal. After Bradley gave the ball away in the U.S. squad’s defensive half, Cristiano Ronaldo – who’d largely been ineffective all game – collected the ball and slid a cross to Silvestre Varela. Varela powered the ball past goalkeeper Tim Howard with ease.

“We could all taste it. We could all taste the second round," defender Matt Besler told The New York Times. “I think we like to do things the hard way. It’s the American way.”

Thankfully, having picked up the win against Ghana in their 2014 World Cup debut, the U.S. still has a chance at getting out of Group G and into the second round. If they beat Germany, they move on in the group’s top spot. If they tie, they’re guaranteed the second spot and a trip to the second round. If they lose, they could still go through ahead of Ghana and Portugal, depending on goal differentials.

The U.S. faces Germany Thursday at 12 p.m. EST.

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