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Italy v USA
18/06/2006: USA hold Italy to a 1-1 draw.
Playing with just nine men for most of the second-half, the USA put up a fine rearguard performance helped by a heroic performance from goalkeeper Kasey Keller against the numerically advantaged Italians .
In the 28th minute Daniele De Rossi was justifiably sent off for a blatant elbow on Brian McBride leaving him needing three stitches to a facial wound.
USA Pablo Mastroeni was red-carded close to half-time for a wreckless tackle from behind on Andrea Pirlo. Early in the second-half USA defender Eddie Pope earned his second yellow of the game reducing the Americans to nine players.
Click here for full match report
Pre match report
Italy may have surprised a few commentators with the quality they displayed during their opening match against Ghana.
Although before their 2-0 victory in their opener, many thought that talk of match fixing and disruption at home might have an adverse influence on their performance, but that did not prove to be the case.
Italy's hardworking forwards even received praise from England manager Sven Goran Eriksson, when the Swede was asked his opinions on other teams in the competition.
He praised both Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino for their performances. Substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta also played well, grabbing the second goal.
Italy came through the game with few problems and although their star man Totti came off just after half time. That raised fears that the Roma man may still be suffering from the injury that had made him a doubt for the tournament, but doctors have since passed him fit to play against the USA. Gianluca Zambrotta will also return for the Italians.
The USA on the other hand looked decidedly poor against the Czech Republic, who they regard as the best team in the group.
Rated as the second best team in the world according to Fifa rankings, the Czech Republic simply outclassed a US side that looked devoid of real top level talent.
Claudio Reyna worked hard to boost the team in midfield, but in truth the Americans rarely threatened the Czech goal during their 3-0 loss. Attacking options now look thin on the ground for the side that does not include the much-debated Freddie Adu.
US manager Bruce Arena may now be regretting not taking the youngster, despite the fact that he has not fulfilled the promised he showed coming up through the ranks.
That said, they will surely be hoping to take something away from the game against Italy, especially as they regard them to be their main competitors for second place in the group, which would send them through to the next stage.
Striker Brian McBride was given poor service during the first match, so it would take a brave man to bet on the USA to score first based on their opening display.
Italy are now hot favourites to win the game, at just 1.44. There may be some value in backing the Americans, who are 7/1 to win a two horse race.
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