Green blunder hands USA draw

Group C,
18:30 GMT, June 12, 2010
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa



England
1 - 1
United States

Scoring Summary

England	United States
Steven Gerrard (4')	Clint Dempsey (40')

Match Stats

England

United States

18(6)	Shots (on Goal)	12(4)
12	Fouls	14
8	Corner Kicks	4
5	Offsides	2
57%	Time of Possession	43%
3	Yellow Cards	3
0	Red Cards	0
3	Saves	5

Match Information

Stadium:	Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa
Attendance:	38,646
Match Time:	18:30 GMT
Official(s):	Carlos Eugenio Simon (Referee)

England were holding that advantage until Green committed the kind of howler David Seaman, Paul Robinson and Scott Carson have all done down the years and allowed Clint Dempsey's harmless shot to slip through his fingers.

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Emile Heskey - With all eyes on Wayne Rooney, Heskey took centre stage. A great lay-off for the opener, his physical strength caused the USA defence problems all night long and, although he should have scored when through one-on-one, his presence was a constant threat before he was subbed. 

England verdict: After a whirlwind opening in which Steven Gerrard scored, James Milner was hauled off and then Ledley King was injured at half-time. They struggled to assert themselves in the second period and, despite some good chances to get the winner, could not break down the USA defence.

USA verdict: Hardly troubled the English defence in the first half, but a lucky goal roused the confidence. Jozy Altidore had a great chance to put them ahead, but they failed to test the defence much after that and will be happy with the point.

Could do better: Robert Green. Who else? It's a horrible moment for any goalkeeper when they are culpable for a goal, but Green's howler was inexcusable. His confidence came back a little after a wonderful save to deny Altidore in the second half, but expect him to be replaced for the next game.

Stat attack: Robert Green made four errors leading to goals in the 2009-10 Premier League season - more than any other player (and that includes Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski). James Milner made as many fouls as he had touches of the ball before subbed - two.