Oil pipes and goalkeepers: The Brits can't stop the leaks

Backed by a solid defensive effort and an inspirational performance from Tim Howard the U.S.A. surprised many around the world by earning a 1-1 draw with England on Saturday.

 

It took an English goalkeeping blunder for the ages by Robert Green to make it happen but the United States played well enough to earn the result. On a positive note, a draw isn’t too bad for the Americans who have no room for a hangover from a big win against group leaders Slovenia next Friday. There will be no worry of that after this result.

 

The first half was a fast paced back and forth affair that did the rivalry justice. It was déjà vu for the U.S. in the early going as the emotions at the start of the game led to a goal for the opposition in just the fourth minute. Steven Gerrard poked one past Howard after playing a one two with Emile Heskey. Heskey’s inclusion in the squad was a bit surprising, but he quickly gave the decision credibility by setting up their goal.

 

Once the U.S. calmed down they started to get control of the game. While England often possessed the ball more than the Nats, they were unable to do much with it outside of muster a few shots that were easy for Howard to stop.

 

Things began to look even more grim for a moment when Tim Howard’s midsection was crunched under Heskey’s boot leading to a possible broken rib around the 30th minute. While it was a relief to see him continue, the match began to take on a more nervous energy immediately.

 

Ten minutes after the incident, however, the stars would align in the Americans’ favor. As the U.S. mounted pressure into the final third Clint Dempsey found himself stuck in front of the English center backs. He turned, turned again and then turned back before slapping a soft left footed bouncing shot toward Robert Green. In explicably, Green couldn’t handle it and managed to bobble it backwards into his own net.

 

It would finish 1-1 and go down in the eyes of many as more of an English failure than a U.S. success. On this side of the pond, the excitement over the point was immense as the U.S. is now in a reasonably good position to move on if they can have success against group leaders Slovenia next Friday.

 

Critics will say that the U.S. was handed a goal and got lucky. The fact is that a goal is a goal and that one had the same effect as if Dempsey had cracked one from 40 yards out into the top corner. All history will show is the draw and that’s what matters. How the U.S. capitalizes on the gift is the next step and something that will make for lots of drama next week.