The USA national football team managed to hold the England national football team to a 1-1 draw in Group C’s opening match in the ongoing 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Stephen Gerrard scored for England
England started on a good note when stand-in captain Steven GERRARD tapped in passed USA custodian Tim HOWARD in the 4th minute after Emile HESKEY set him up with a superb pass in the 4th minute. England seemed to play well for sometime but the USA became comfortable and had their moments of brightness in this highly energetic and speedy match played Saturday evening at Rustenburg stadium.
England’s Goalkeeping woes came to haunt them again when Carpelo’s first choice goal keeper Robert GREEN let in Clint DEMPSEY’s shot that he should have saved comfortably. But he managed to show his value when he made two good saves in the second half.
The English team players did much of what they could but the USA players had many good ideas of their own and were competitive on each part of the pitch up to the end of the match.
The intenseness of the affairs can best be explained by the number of cautions with Referee Carlos Eugenio Simon from Brazil showing the yellow card to England’s Milner, Carragher and Gerrard as well as USA’s DeMerit, Cherundolo and Robbie Findley.
Carpelo brought on Shaun WRIGHT-PHILLIPS for Milner in the 30th Minute, Carragher for King at the break and Peter Crouch for Hesky but they were unable to have an impact on the final score.
The result of a draw will put big pressure on Carpelo whose controversial decisions like leaving behind Theo Walcott in favour of David Beckham or playing Robert Green instead of David James in the England goal are a big subject of the English press.
So the big boys USA and England in Group C have failed to take maximum points and handed the mantle to Algeria and Slovenia who each have a chance to take the lead when they play on Sunday afternoon South Africa time.
USA Vs England Match Officials
Referee: Carlos Eugenio Simon (Brazil)
Assistants: Altemir Hausmann & Roberto Bratz (both Brazil)
Fourth official: Eddy Maillet (Seychelles)
See Results of matches so far played at FIFA 2010 World Cup
England 1-1 USA