US (1) v Italy (1)

In a game described as the most important game in US soccer history, the US and Italy battle to a unforgettable, if not, infamous draw, but not without its controversy. Unfortunately, the referees played a major part in this game with 3 red cards . In my opinion, only one of these cards were definitely deserved - the red card against De Rossi for elbowing Brian McBride. The straight red against Pablo Mastroeni and the second yellow against Eddie Pope were unnecessary. I will give the official credit in that Pablo Mastroeni put himself in a terrible situation and allow the ref to give him the red. It was only a yellow card offense in my eyes, but if Pablo keeps his feet, he stays in the game. Eddie Pope's foul on the other hand was no where near a card. It wasnt even a foul! He got all ball and then got the legs on the follow through. The referee definitely blew this one.

...Ok to the game. The US comes out decisively better than they did against the Czechs. In the first 20 minutes they look dangerous and create multiple opportunities highlighted by a dazzling attack down the right flank by the youngster Clint Dempsey. After multiple step overs, he stuns the Italian defender and sends a whipping cross thats makes its way through the box to left footed Bobby Convey. Unfortunately for the US, the ball ended up on Convey's right foot and his right foot failed him and the ball sailed over the goal. Failed chance for the US and it would come back to haunt them.

Minutes later the US gives up a goal on a set piece. As the ball is played into the box, multiple US players are seen raising their arms (the international sign for offsides) as their Italian marks run by them. One of them is Gilardino and his header puts Italy up 1-0. The US has given up the first goal of the game again. Luckily, though, the US does not hang its head and 5 minutes later they get the equalizer, albeit on an own goal. Off a free kick from Convey, Italian defender Zaccardo attempts to clear the ball and it awkardly hits his plant foot (and if you have played soccer you understand what it feels like for the ball to hit the plant foot. Not a good look) and ricochets into the net. 1-1.

The score stays that way despite the US playing with 9 men for almost the entire 2nd half. The US shows true American grit and battles to keep their WC hopes alive to see another day. That another day is Thursday at 10 AM EST against Ghana. We win and Italy wins we earn the right to play Brazil in the second round. Wouldnt it be great to beat the team that is assumed to be the best in the world? Yeah I think so too...