The historic rivalry between the USA and England ended in a 1-1 draw Saturday in Rustenburg, South Africa, due largely to a significant goalkeeping error on the part of the Three Lions’ Robert Green. Green failed to gain a strong hold on a shot fired by midfielder Clint Dempsey, letting the ball slip right through his hands into the back of the net.
Dempsey’s goal in 40th minute gave America hope going into the half, especially after England’s dominate start with midfielder Steven Gerrard’s goal just four minutes into the game. Gerrard’s goal was his third career World Cup goal and came after a throw-in from the right side that eventually found forward Emile Heskey, whose pass to Gerrard led to a shot past U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard. U.S. midfielder Ricardo Clark was largely responsible for the lack of defense on Gerrard, who came from behind and managed to sneak right past Clark.
Landon Donovan created the first real chance for the U.S., as he sent a through ball into English territory towards Jozy Altidore, guarded by England’s Ledley King. Missing Altidore, the ball flew into Dempsey’s range, who also missed.
English star Wayne Rooney set-up a nice play for Aaron Lennon in the 20th minute, but was unable to capitalize on the opportunity as the Yanks’ Steve Cherundolo saved the goal with a sliding block.
As if the anxiety of trailing the English 1-0 was not enough for American fans, goalkeeper Tim Howard went down after being spiked in the chest in the 29th minute. Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Howard dove to deflect a cross from Glen Johnson. Emile Heskey slid to try and get a foot on the ball, but wound up forcefully hitting Howard in the chest with his cleat.
Howard received a cortisone shot at halftime and a physical examination Tuesday morning, as fear swept the team and fans that his ribs were fractured. However, it was determined that Howard’s ribs were only bruised and that he would be ready for Friday’s game against Slovenia.
Perhaps it was the determination to prove themselves against England or desire to honor their fallen goalkeeper that drove the Americans to take control before the closing minutes of the half. Regardless, both Donovan and Dempsey made a critical effort to end the half how the game began, with no disadvantage. Although Donovan’s shot went wide, Dempsey, who is responsible for the last two U.S. World Cup goals, kicked a left-footed shot from 25 yards that went through the desperate hands of Green.
Green acknowledged his mistake and took responsibility for the goal, but England could not come back to regain their lead. Green actually preserved the draw when he deflected a shot by Altidore that hit the post.
Howard, however, continued to shine as he made seven saves, including a beauty on Heskey’s direct shot at the 52nd minute.
According to DePaul men’s soccer coach Craig Blazer, the perseverance and composure Howard maintained after getting down after England’s 4th minute goal made him Man of the Match.
“He was outstanding,” Blazer said. “You can see the whole team rallying behind him. The U.S. team knows they always have a chance to win with Timmy Howard in goal.”
He also credited the offense for putting a number of chances together. Although Green made a blunder, credit also has to be given to Dempsey said Blazer, who does not expect England to change goalies before their next match.
“It would be disappointing if England did change because they believe in [Green]. That’s why they started him,” Blazer said.
Both Dempsey and Altidore, in addition to England’s Rooney and Frank Lampard, had two shots on goal each. England led the game with 18 shots, eight on goal. The U.S. was not far behind with 13 shots and four on goal. Both teams received three yellow cards and one point each in the rankings for their draw.
While England looks ahead to Friday’s game against Algeria, the U.S. must prepare for their game against Slovenia, who leads Group C with three points due to a sloppy 1-0 win over Algeria, which also featured a goalkeeping blunder. The game starts at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 18.