The 2006 World Cup in Germany
A booksmusicfilmstv.com surreal take on the footie fest in Germany
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An eventful game, which the USA may well have won, but for two red cards. They began brightly, but were undone by Italy's first real goal attempt, when from a free kick Alberto Gilardino was left unmarked to head home. Not long afterwards the US deservedly equalised, after some very un-Italian defending saw Cristian Zaccardo wildly slicing into his own net. Then Daniele De Rossi stupidly elbowed US striker Brian McBride, leaving the Fulham man bleeding profusely, and earning the Italian a straight red card. Pablo Mastroeni nearly put the US ahead with a superb long distance effort, which just cleared the bar, but then he got red carded for a late challenge on Andrea Pirlo.

A second bookable offence by US defender Eddie Pope, early in the second half, saw the Americans reduced to nine men, and with Carlos Bocanegra heading a well taken Italian free kick against his own bar, things looked bleak for the USA side, but, when an offside decision denied substitute DaMarcus Beasley putting the Americans ahead, they seemed to gain new heart and that denying the Serie A superstars was not beyond them. The Italians were struggling to create openings, though Kasey Keller was forced into two full length saves by sub Alessandro Del Piero.

On this evidence, Italy have crept back into their old negative ways, but the Americans recaptured their fight - which seemed lacking against the Czech Republic.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.