A defensive slip from Geoff Cameron allowed Nani the time and space to thump home a right-footed opening goal on five minutes, when Tim Howard went to ground too quickly as the winger fired into the roof of the net with aplomb.
Howard redeemed himself with a string of superb saves, though, and they became even more vital when Jermaine Jones produced a moment of magic to equalise for the Americans, shifting the ball past Nani on 64 minutes and steering home a sublime right-footed strike from 20 yards out.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo displayed his full array of flicks and tricks but was frustrated by team-mates at times, and the left side of their defence was exposed time and time again by Jurgen Klinsmann's men.
That Achilles heel lead to the third goal of the night as sub DeAndre Yedlin whipped in a cross from the right flank and the ball fell to Graham Zusi, whose cross into the box was turned home from close range by Clint Dempsey.
There was late heartbreak for the Americans, though, as Ronaldo delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank in the dying seconds and Varela made no mistake with a bullet header that gave Howard no chance.
The result moved USA level on four points with Germany, who they face in their last group game, while Portugal banked their first point of the Brazil finals and face Ghana in their remaining group clash.
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