Ron result for Portugal

Clint Dempsey proved once again why he was so popular in the Premier League as he netted a crucial goal in USA's 2-2 draw against Portugal.

The former Tottenham and Fulham striker scored the fifth fastest goal in World Cup history in USA's opening group match against Ghana and he was at it again as his side caused one of the many upsets at this summer's tournament. But it didn't start well for USA as a sliced clearance from Geoff Cameron fell kindly for Nani to score from close range after just five minutes.

It looked like Portugal were going to well and truly put the disappointment of the 4-0 drubbing by Germany out of their system. Nani almost added a second for the favourites but his effort cannoned back of a post before substitute Eder saw his follow-up superbly pushed over by Tim Howard. The save from the Everton goalkeeper seems to get better on each viewing and is arguably one of the best saves of the tournament to date. It was a crucial one as well as it prevented Portugal from doubling their lead and kept USA in the match.

From goalkeeping heroics to immense defending in the second half as Michael Bradley's effort was superbly blocked on the line by Ricardo Costa.

If you thought that was good, it was soon rivalled by some magic in attack at the other end. Jermaine Jones beat his man before unleashing a thunderbolt from outside the box, giving Portugal goalkeeper Beto no chance. With 26 minutes on the clock, it was game on and if Portugal weren't careful they were going to be in trouble.

Portugal paid the price as Dempsey got his body in the right place to guide the ball in from close range to put USA in dreamland and within nine minutes of a memorable win. But Jurgen Klinsmann's men couldn't quite hang on long enough.

Cristiano Ronaldo had failed to light up the World Cup as expected so far but it was still his sublime cross that set up Silvestre Varela to head home the equaliser.

It would've been tough for USA to take, dropping two points so late on, but they can still be mighty proud of their efforts. Germany and Portugal were clear favourites to get out of Group G but, with just one round of matches left to play, the Americans sit proudly in second place and on course for qualification.

USA end the group with arguably their toughest match as Klinsmann will take his side to face the country he made over 100 caps for. A point against Germany would be enough to see USA qualify, but Varela's goal could yet prove decisive for Portugal.

If Portugal beat Ghana and USA fail to beat Germany it will come down to goal difference. If this World Cup has taught us anything so far it is that nothing is certain! Expected the unexpected! So let's just wait and see how this one pans out.

From one of the better games of the tournament to one of the worst. The day may have ended with top quality drama but it certainly didn't start that way.

Belgium had been considered a dark horse for the tournament and ones to watch out for. After two unconvincing performances they have not quite lived up to their billing, although with six points out of six they are still getting the job done successfully! It may not be the great football we were expecting from the Belgians but they are doing what counts and getting the points.

Both sides lacked ideas in what looked set to be a tedious goalless draw, and tedious is putting it kindly! Russia had a penalty appeal turned down before missing the best chance of a dull first half. Alexander Kokorin had time and space in the box but headed horrible wide.

At one point the camera showed a fan appearing to have a brief snooze and given how the game was going it was hardly surprising. It didn't get much better, although Belgium did come close when substitute Kevin Mirallas hit a post with a free-kick.

But the game finally did get a goal to wake up the fans, although it arrived with just two minutes remaining on the clock following more tactical genius from Belgium boss Marc Wilmots.

Both of Belgium's goals in their opening match came from substitutes and it happened again in Rio. Wilmots sent on Divock Origi shortly before the hour mark and the 19-year-old made a decisive impact when he fired home from Eden Hazard's cut back.

Belgium were not at their best but Wilmots still guided them to the right result and into the knockout stages with a game to spare.

But Russia boss Fabio Capello has a lot more work to do as his side's chances of progressing hinge on their final group match against Algeria. Algeria remain in the driving seat and anything other than a win for Russia will see Capello's men exit the tournament.

Russia's chances of progressing hinge on their final round group match against Algeria, while bottom of the group South Korea could still progress. But if South Korea are to progress they would need to beat Belgium by a healthy margin and hope, either, Russia and Algeria draw or Russia only win by a small margin! I love this stage of the competition with so many permutations and working out what may or may not happen. It is just a shame none of them involve England!

While Russia and South Korea still have a chance, Algeria have the destiny of who finishes second in their own hands following their 4-2 win over their Asian opponents.

Two goals in as many minutes put Algeria in control of the six-goal thriller in Porto Alegre. Islam Slimani got between two defenders to latch onto a long ball and flick the ball beyond Jung Sung-ryong in the South Korea goal. Rafik Halliche powered home a header from Abdelmoumene Djabou's corner soon after before provider turned scorer as Djabou side-footed in.

South Korea gave themselves a glimmer of hope within five minutes of the restart when Son Heung-min regained the loose ball, after it had come off his back, and shot through the legs of Algeria goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi. The Asian side almost reduced the deficit further but Ki Sung-yueng's long-range effort was pushed over the bar by M'Bolhi.

That miss proved costly as Yacine Brahimi increased Algeria's advantage with a fourth goal following a neat one-two with Sofiane Feghouli after 62 minutes.

South Korea pulled one back when Koo Ja-cheol scored from close range 10 minutes later but it was too little too late for the Asian side.

That ended the second round of matches as the competition reaches its make or break stage for most of the sides, unlike our beloved England, and holders Spain, who have already been eliminated with a game to spare.

If the third round of matches is as good as the first two we are in for a treat. England may not be in the competition any more, apart from a dead rubber clash against Costa Rica, but there are still plenty more thrills and stills to come in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Let the drama continue!

Come on the underdogs!