US 1-1 Italia

So the US forced a 1-1 draw with Italy today. Italy had a man sent off and the US two. Perhaps I'm biased, but the Italian red card was deserved for a flagrant elbow. Both of the US reds were bogus. One was, at worst, a foul not a (second) yellow card. And the other wasn't even a foul but the ref gave a straight red. The ref completely changed the game. Not only because of the bogus reds but even for giving yellow cards to every player (on both teams) who sneezed, coughed or looked at him funny. I think my friend jinxed it by saying before the tournament how well officiated all the games had been. Then after the game, the ABC commentators point out that this ref had been suspended by his domestic federation for improper conduct... yet somehow he gets chosen to ref a World Cup game? Absurd.

I can't complain, though. The US completely dominated the first half, even before the Italian red card. They played with more energy in any five minute segment of the half than they did during the whole game vs the Czech Republic. The first half, THAT is how the US is supposed to play.

My friend and I were screaming at the TV in the second half, "Bring on Eddie Johnson!" Lots of space. Tired legs. Bring on a forward with fresh legs, speed and who can create things on his own, something Brian McBride can't. I generally defer to Bruce Arena as he has the results to back up his decision making, but it was a crime Eddie Johnson was left on the bench today. It was even more of a crime to not use an available sub when you're down to 9 men. I honestly think Johnson might've created one or two goal chances.

But after the two bogus expulsions, the Americans did well to hold on for a draw. Given Ghana's shock thrashing of the Czechs, the group is wide open. If the Italians beat the Czechs and the Americans beat Ghana, the US will go through regardless of the score. (Technically, we could go through if the Czechs crush Italy and we crush Ghana, but the combination of both is very unlikely).

This is no small task, as the Italians looked beatable today and Ghana looked excellent. But at least we have a chance, which is more than most expected after Monday.

There are still some things they have to improve upon. Especially defensively and not giving up dangerous set pieces. And Bruce Arena needs to get Eddie Johnson's rear end off the bench. But a repeat performance like today (sans les cartons rouges) and better use of Johnson and we can beat Ghana.