06/12/2010 U.S.A. vs. England First Half

England jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the third minute of the match. The United States' defense did not do their assignments in the beginning. They did not stay with their opponents. It looked like they could not keep up with England's exciting offense. The United States fell behind early, but this is what the World Cup is all about. One play can change everything in a game. The U.S. is facing a big challenge against the eighth best soccer country in the world. The U.S. is ranked at number fourteen. U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard was frustrated early with his defense. Tim Howard was kept busy in the first half making save after save. Americans were holding their breath when Tim Howard went down and injured his hand. Howard is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and one of the toughest by staying in the game. The United States were on their heels the entire half. They did not get many shots off, and did not have much possession time. However, U.S.A. matched up well against England. At the end of the half, Clint Dempsey scored one of the softest goals you will ever see. His goal went off the hands of England's goalkeeper, and the ball trickled into the goal. Rob Green, England's goalkeeper, fumbled the ball, and the U.S. scored one of the luckiest goals in World Cup history. How does Green recover mentally from that goal? Does England replace him or keep him in for the second half? At half, the game is tied up at one goal a piece. The game started out as a nightmare for the United States, but there is hope as the momentum shifted to the United States' side towards the end of the first half. England is going to come out playing even tougher in the second half. The team that scores first in a World Cup match goes on to win 70% of the time. History says that if the United States gives up the first goal, there will be disaster in the World Cup. Keys to the United States in the second half include Tim Howard, a stronger, more stable defense, and some quicker feet on offense. The keys to England include #10 Wayne Rooney, and they must keep putting pressure on the United States' defense. The way both teams are playing, Americans and the U.S. players would be happy with a draw. It would be nice to see an upset, but the United States are willing to take any points they can get.