When the ball went off Varela's head off a sensational cross from Cristiano Ronaldo and past U.S. goal keeper Tim Howard into the back of the U.S. net on Sunday evening, it was painfully reminiscent to Game 6 of the 2011 World Series for Texas Rangers fans, who also happen to be U.S. soccer fans.
Just call Varela David Freese, and call U.S. defender Jeff Cameron Nelson Cruz.
Cameron somehow failed to mark a streaking Varela in the 95TH MINUTE after he had earlier whiffed on a ball to set up Portugal's early goal. Between the fifth minute and the 95th minute, the U.S. totally outplayed a Portugal squad led by its hobbled leader, Ronaldo.
Then, in the end, Ronaldo found his form and crushed the U.S. hopes, stealing advancement right out from under them.
Now, the Americans must forget about the shocking ending to Sunday's game and turn around to play on Thursday against a loaded Germany squad. Let's just hope they fare better than the Rangers did in Game 7.
