Italy 1-1 USA

Italy and the USA drew 1-1 in this explosive match which got into the records for the wrong reason with three players sent off, two of them Americans.

Italy took a 22nd minute lead through Alberto Gilardino but the advantage lasted just five minutes before Italian defender Cristian Zaccardo scored an own goal.

A minute later his fellow-defender Daniele De Rossi was sent off for elbowing American striker Brian McBride in the face. But U.S. midfielder Pablo Mastroeni was shown a red card for a sliding tackle just before halftime and forward Eddie Pope followed him back to the dressing room two minutes after the interval with a second yellow card.

It is only the fourth time in World Cup finals history that three players had been sent off in the same game. As it stands now, Italy leads Group E with four points, one ahead of Czech Republic and Ghana while the USA stayed at the bottom with one point.

It was a close fight and both teams played tactically. The USA performed much better than in their previous match with the Czech Republic. In fact, they dominated the first half but were unable to convert their direct play into goals. The Italians started off nervously, but against the run of play, they showed their experience and scored first.

In the second half, the Italians gained control of the match but the USA defended well, especially their goalkeeper, Kasey Keller, who kept the Americans in the game with several good saves.

Soccer Pundit feels that the Italians were a bit 'dirty' in this match and the referee had given several dubious decisions. By reducing the USA team to nine men, it effectively killed off their chances of winning the game and to not lose it was already a commendable act in itself. Credit to the Americans for showing that they were no pushovers and taking the fight to the Italians. Sad but better luck next time, though...