The U.S.A came from behind to tie Slovenia 2-2 in Johannesburg Friday morning.
The first half belonged to Slovenia as Valter Birsa and Zlatan Ljubijankic scored to help their team go up 2-0. But the relentless Yankees took over the second half with goals from Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley.
The Slovenians pressed hard from the first whistle and saw early results. Birsa opened the scoring for his team as he took a strike curling into the net, freezing American goalie Tim Howard.
Howard was said to be playing with a rib injury after the opening matching against England. It was a hard tackle by the English forward that questioned whether the goalie would make a start.
Ljubijankic of Slovenia silenced critics after beating the offside trap, catching the U.S.A players watching the game. A scrambling Howard could do nothing but see the opponent go up 2-0.
It looked liked Slovenia would become the first team to qualify for the round of 16 until the Americans spoiled the party. L.A. Galaxy star Donovan began the comeback after a superb strike from close distance sparked his team.
But it was Bradley who put the dagger in the heart for Slovenia. The coach’s son scored with only eight minutes remaining in the match.
It was a remarkable comeback by the States as they fought their way back in. But the game would not go without controversy.
Maurice Edu of the U.S.A scored the go- ahead- goal that would put his team comfortably in first place in Group C. The goal was quickly called back from the referee stating a handball infraction. It was a questionable call that saw the American team demand explanation once the game ended.
With the tie, Slovenia is at the top of the table with four points. Their next match will be against England. A win or a tie would provide them with a chance to move on.
Next up for the U.S.A is Algeria who lost their first game to Slovenia.
