World Cup Group C: U.S.A. vs Slovenia

A week after the United States pulled off an enormous victory against England with a 1-1 draw, the U.S. was back on the field in Johannesburg, South Africa against Slovenia. That was a true David vs Goliath match up. Slovenia is the smallest country in the tournament with a population of two million (the size of Houston, Texas). Plus, the United States is the largest with 310 million people. Slovenia qualified for the World Cup by beating a very good Russian team. They started off group play with three points by a win over Algeria. However, the United States entered into the match as the clear favorite to win. England and the United States are expected to advance past group play, but Algeria and Slovenia have not made that easy. Midway through the first half, Slovenia scored the first goal of the game. They would later extend the lead right before the half to make it 2-0. Coach Bob Bradley of the U.S. must have gave his team an excellent motivational speech at halftime because two minutes into the second half, #10 Landon Donovan scored the United States' first goal. Landon took the shot from the side of the goal on a very difficult angle. Donovan got the United States' momentum back early in the second half, and they dominated the rest of the way. For Landon Donovan, that goal was his 43rd goal in international play. He is, without a doubt, one of the United States' top players. This game was very physical. Yellow cards were handed out on both sides. The refs did not tolerate anything, and they made a few big mistakes that potentially cost the United States a win. In the 81st minute, Michael Bradley (Coach's son) for the United States scored the equalizer goal to tie the game up at two goals a piece. The United States were once down two goals, but they did not count themselves out. The team came together for a huge second half comeback. A little bit after the United States' second goal, the U.S. had a golden opportunity with a free kick. The United States thought they had a goal when Edu kicked the ball into the back of the net, but the ref called an offside. It was a very controversial call because looking at the replay, it appeared no one was actually offsides. So, the game finished as a draw. Both teams grabbed a point in the standings. Neither team has advanced or has been eliminated yet. One thing is for sure: the referees cost the United States' a win on a few controversial calls. However, both teams put on quite a soccer match. It was very entertaining and filled with lots of energy. The United States must defeat Algeria next Wednesday if they want any hope of advancing to the next round.