Portuguese press calls for 'miracle' in World Cup

Lisbon, June 23 (IANS/EFE) Portuguese newspapers that came out Monday spoke about the need for a "miracle" which Portugal needs to reach the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after drawing 2-2 with the United States Sunday.

Sports newspaper Record came out with the headline "Miraculously" depicting Portugal's last minute goal by Silvestre Varela which gave them a glimpse of hope, reports EFE.

Captain Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the team need to win against Ghana with a big margin to begin thinking about qualifying for the second round.

A Bola stressed on clinging to hopes of qualifying after Varela's goal which kept the Portuguese hopes alive.

On the other hand, O Jogo criticised the players' low physical shape and conceding two goals despite being in the lead with Nani's goal five minutes into the game.

With Portugal drawing with the US and Germany drawing with Ghana, Portugal need to win over Ghana and they need Germany to beat the US. In case US and Germany draw, both will qualify to the next round while Portugal and Ghana will be eliminated.

--IANS/EFE

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