MANAUS, Brazil -- The World Cup arrives every four years, and without fail, it brings a good and possibly even true story about a witch doctor.

This particular witch doctor put a curse on the knees of Cristiano Ronaldo in February. These are not just any knees. The reigning world Player of the Year, Ronaldo is so agile and elusive that he is the only man known to have dated Kim Kardashian without marrying her for a reality show.

And this was no random application of the dark arts. The witch doctor happened to be from Ghana, which, like the United States and Germany, was drawn into the same group as Ronaldo and Portugal.

The spell involved something about four dogs, leaves, a special spirit and a whammy so potent it could not be cured by medical science, television evangelists or juice therapy.

Sunday, the Americans started five midfielders, trying to enhance possession and cut off the supply to Ronaldo. It was an attempt to treat him the way children treat fireflies.

In the fifth minute, a poor clearance by Geoff Cameron left the ball to Nani, Portugal's other wing, who pounced for the goal. Howard's caution was perceptive. Ronaldo was hardly Portugal's only dangerous player.

As the half wore on, Ronaldo took a theatrical dive, showed frustration at his lack of touches, made a cavorting pass to Nani for a low shot that Howard saved, bounced his own shot to Howard from 30 yards and ballooned a free kick over the crossbar.

At halftime, Ronaldo changed to a short-sleeved jersey. But he was not sharp. He fell easily in the penalty area, lost the ball, shot well wide on a stab down the right flank, running his hands through his hair in annoyance. Moments later, Jermaine Jones curled a blast inside the far post for the U.S. and the game was tied at 1-1.

Portugal was frantic now for a victory. Ronaldo sprinted just offsides. A cross from Nani eluded him in the penalty area. Matt Besler cut out a pass to Ronaldo and so did Cameron. Then Clint Dempsey chested home what seemed to be the winner for the Americans.

But Ronaldo was not done. He needed only a moment to show his greatness. Deep into added time, he curved a brilliant cross from the right flank and Varela headed it past Howard to salvage a 2-2 draw.

Portugal was still alive. Ghana remains, and the witch doctor will need another potion.

Sports on 06/23/2014