2014 World Cup - Ronaldo Lives Another Day!

In a World Cup where the thrills seem to be given away for free, USA and Portugal played out another roller coaster game in a match that was vital for both sides.

A feeling of déjà vu must have come upon coach Paulo Bento with his countrymen again trailing to the USA at a World Cup Finals - he was part of the Portugal side that lost 3-2 12 years ago in Korea.

Alas, sub Varela, on for the injury prone Hugo Almeida, got onto the end of a delicious Ronaldo pass to score avert late and dramatic equaliser. 

It means Portugal are only just hanging on by their fingernails - they need a handsome win over Ghana and the USA or Germany (heavily) to lose to have any chance of progression.

Meanwhile, plaudits must go to Algeria who ended their 32 year win drought at the World Cup Finals with an incredible 4-2 win over a shocking South Korea who were found absolutely wanting at the back and couldn't defend to save themselves.

Coach Hong Myung Bo - a former defender himself - would have been fuming at the way the defence reacted to Algeria's long balls, and resulted in Algeria taking a 3-0 lead at halftime.

I tipped Algeria to have a good World Cup Finals prior to the commencement of the tournament and they have lived up to my expectations. A draw against Russia and they will go through to the 2nd round.

It's been one heck of a first round and if the quality of the defence is anything to go by, the knockouts should be a goal fiesta too!