USA still alive after 1-1 tie with Italy
What a game! After looking like a second-rate squad in their opener against the Czech Republic, the Americans came back strong with a sprited effort against an Italian team that looked fantastic in its opening match.
The Americans were able to frustrate the Italian side by working loading up the midfield and playing very aggressively, constantly fouling the Italians. Unofrtunately the officials issued an incredible three red cards! The Americans played with a 10-9 disadvantage for much of the game, but still managed to hang on for the draw.
With Ghana’s amazing 2-0 upset over the Czech Republic, the United States now has a clear path to advance. They need to defeat Ghana and then hope for a win by Italy over the Czechs.
Defeating Ghana will not be easy, though Ghana will be without two of their top players in the match. Ghana looked great agaist Italy in the opener despite losing 2-0, so many shouldn’t be surprised by their win over the Czechs.
As for Italy, they have to be disappointed by their effort against the United States.
Posted in: European Soccer, U.S. Soccer, World Cup
Italy must have either under estimated our Americans or spent the night on the town until the early morning driking wine and who knows what else! The Italians came out flat from the start and never really looked like a team that was hungry for a victory. The Americans showed grit and incredible composure against a more talented team on paper. Both of these teams are so unpredictable that the unpredictable just might happen….
I was glad for the draw, but the US should have won. Mastroeni’s red card was bullshit, and would have been a yellow during any other match. I also lost a lot of respect for the Italians. They were playing like pansies out there, falling over every time someone touched them and requiring stretchers off the field. I counted four stretchers throughout the game, but I think there might have been more. That’s just ridiculous, and if they continue playing this way, the refs are going to get tired of it in the later stages…
I totally agree there’s no way in hell pablo should’ve been red carded. Pope’s may have been somewhat justified but let’s face it. The italian elbowed McBride in the face, right after a goal, that is textbook red card. Pope gets two yellows for late tackles. Well, Maybe so, or maybe the italians are experienced in European soccer and understand that falling over gets you calls.
In any case regardless of the piss poor officiating, the United States played incredible, with many great chances to score, and one actual goal that was revoked because of a sort of legitimate offsides call.
Playing that way against a team that has won the world cup 3 times is just fantastic soccer, I only hope they show up to play the same way against Ghana. If they do I think they’ll beat them hands down. But can they beat them by 4 or 5 goals? Good luck!
They don’t need to beat Ghana by 4 or 5 goals if italy wins as well.