[Eurotwit]

BTW: All the experts on the Norwegian post game show, are saying that the US dominated the game for large parts, and deserved victory tonight.

[Incorrigible]

BTW: All the experts on the Norwegian post game show, are saying that the US dominated the game for large parts, and deserved victory tonight.

It's nice when the expert agree with me!

 

[Eurotwit]

[tortoise]

In the game I saw, the US looked pretty damn good, though technically a bit rough. And in the first half, the Italians were flat. Toward the last 1/4, it was obvious that the US team was dead tired from trying to run the Italians to a standstill with 9 players. The ref-ing was terrible and ruined what could have been a great match. The offsides on the goal was a good call, one of the rare important good calls in the game. If the ref hadn't injected himself into the gameplay so much and been so bloody happy with cards, I think it is probable that the US would have pulled out a win.

Technical squabbling aside, the highlight of the game was the heart of the American team, which was magnificent and really carried the game for them despite a 9-10 field. The tie outcome was pure force of will. I do not think anyone -- the US, the Italians, or FIFA -- is happy with how this game played out. If the Americans displayed this much fortitude every time, they would be in a much better position.