USA 1, Italy 1

After producing the lamest performance this side of Serbia & Montenegro in their opening game, how would the Americans respond against Italy? With an inspired performace that restored their credibility as an up-and-coming soccer power and helped produce the most exciting game of this World Cup!

The Americans looked fired up from the get go, a stark contrast to their sluggishness against the Czech Republic. They moved the ball with pace and tackled with aggression. They had the Italians on the defensive ... until, against the run of play, Italy scored with a flashing header off of a free kick. Would this be a repeat of the Americans' 3-0 loss to the Czechs, in which they folded like a tent after allowing an early goal?

No! The Americans quickly regrouped and continued to press the attack. They finally leveled the match when Italian defender Jeff Agoos, er, I mean, Christian Zaccardo, shinned in an own goal. It was no less than the Americans deserved. Then, just a minute later, Daniele De Rossi was sent off for smashing his elbow into the face of USA forward Brian McBride. It was an ugly incident and it left McBride bloodied. Of course, the match doesn't begin for McBride until he's suffered a massive headwound. Up a man, and dominating the play, it looked like the three points were there for the Americans to take.

Then, disaster. Pablo Mastroeni slid into the ankle of Andrea Pirlo (haha, you have a girls' name) studs first and was sent off. According to some informal polling I did at the bar, 7 out of 10 Americans feel this was too harsh a decision from referee Jorge Larrionda (see Meat.Loaf's post for more on him). I, however, think it was reasonable. Mastroeni's tackle was the kind that break ankles and, given the Americans' superior numbers at that point, was foolish.

Despite being back on the level terms, the Americans continued to look the sharper side. Unfortunately, just minutes after the start of the second half, referee Larrionda, having just received a big cash payoff from Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, awarded a second yellow -- and thus subsequent red -- to defender Eddie Pope for a harmless challenge. If Larrionda hadn't screwed us by dismissing Mastroeni, he made up for it by banishing Pope to the locker room.

Now, down to 9, the USA had to change tactics and drop more players into defense. The objective, it seemed, was now a tie and the chance to fight another day. It made for a nervy second half, as the weary Americans bunkered around their penalty box. The Azzuri were able to penetrate the Americans' half without opposition and sent wave after wave of attackers at Uncle Sam's goal. But, this day, the Americans were not to beaten. They bravely repulsed every attack and, when the whistle finally sounded, had earned the draw that would keep them in contention.

Now, if Italy beats the Czech Republic (allow me to go on record and say they will), the Americans can take care of business by beating Ghana. Of course, as we saw from the Ghanaians' win yesterday, that will be no small feat. But, if the USA can muster a repeat performance like this one, it will be on to the second round and look out Brazil.

Goal scorers:

Alberto Gilardino (22'), Italy (1-0)
Christian Zaccardo (27' OG), Italy (1-1)