Metro

New Yorkers have high hopes for Team USA after World Cup tie

New York soccer fans were stunned by Portugal’s tying goal in the final minutes that stole away a US victory at the World Cup Sunday — but the 2-2 draw left them confident going into a crucial game against Germany.

“We believe! We believe in every player on this team,” said Kush Mukergee, 20, a student from Warren, NJ.

Murkergee was one of thousands who gathered under the Manhattan Bridge in Brooklyn to watch the game on a big screen.

“It’s gonna be hard, but we’re going to bring it to Germany the way we brought it today,” he said. “We outplayed [Portugal] the whole way — or at least the first 94 minutes. I’m proud of this team.”

Chants of “USA!” and the now famous “I believe that we will win” echoed through the streets of Brooklyn when Clint Dempsey scored a goal off his gut to give the team a 2-1 lead in the 81st minute.

The late goal by Portugal deflated the crowd, but fans still appreciated the heart shown by the Americans.

A fan reacts during the USA vs. Portugal match at a public viewing on Governor’s Island.AP

“This was one of the best US games ever played in the World Cup,” said another fan, Yuri Geyllak, 26.

“The second half they gave it their all, but in the very last two, three minutes they got tired and made a mistake. It’s going to be a tough game against Germany. Germany is one of the best teams. But I know the US will bring their best.”

The game got off to a rough start for the United States.

Portugal came out to a 1-0 lead in the first five minutes when the ball deflected off the foot of defender Geoff Cameron and floated right to Portuguese winger Nani — who hammered it into the back of the net.

The early deficit deflated the red, white and blue-clad supporters gathered in front the giant screen by the East River.

Soccer fans gathered at Studio Square to watch the big game.WireImage

But the crowd sprang to life when midfielder Jermaine Jones tied it in the 64th minute by sending the ball rocketing toward the far post.

“This team’s got guts,” said Upper West Sider Robert Buxbaum. “They’re gonna suck it up, and play Germany just like they played Portugal — except win.

“They let this one slip through their fingers, but they’re going to take a deep breath and do what they have to do.”

Portugal was desperate for points after a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands Germany, one of the favorites to win the cup.

But the US managed to stave off defeat — and now fans are praying for an upset of Germany on Thursday.

“We’re still in the driver’s seat,” said John Blumberg, 33, of Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. “I’m looking forward to it.”