AP - Clint Dempsey scored on a blunder by goalkeeper Robert Green in the 40th minute, and the United States came from behind to tie England 1-1 in the Americans’ World Cup opener Saturday.
Steven Gerrard put England ahead in the fourth minute, blowing past Ricardo Clark to beat goalkeeper Tim Howard from short range.
But Dempsey tied the score when his 25-yard shot skipped off the grass twice and bounced in off Green’s hand, yet another in a long line of shocking gaffes by England goalkeepers. It made Dempsey only the second American to score in two World Cups, joining Brian McBride.
The result was a thrill for the U.S. and a disappointment for England, which is looking for its first World Cup title since 1966.
Jozy Altidore nearly put the Americans ahead in the 65th minute with a shot that went off Green’s hand and the upper corner of the goal. Howard then withstood a late barrage by the English, and was named man of the match for saving the U.S. from its defensive lapses.
While not a shocking win to match the 1-0 American upset over England at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, the U.S. earned a huge point its quest to reach the second round for the first time since 2002.
Next come two opponents who appear to be easier challenges: Slovenia on June 18 and Algeria on June 23. Those two teams meet Sunday in the other initial game in Group C.
It was a relatively quiet crowd until the final minutes at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, set in the platinum-rich high veld of northern South Africa. But there were chants of “USA!” after the match.
FT – A few minor chances each way down the stretch but each team had tired legs and this one ends in a draw 1-1.
86′ – Holden on for Altidore as the U.S. looks ready to play for a draw. England has outshot U.S. 10-3 in second half.
78′ – U.S. substitution as Buddle comes in for Findley. Findley looked gassed but a decent day for the RSL striker.
75′ – Rooney more involved, sets up Wright-Phillips how fires a shot straight at Tim Howard who makes the save.
71′ – Rooney gets open in the box but can’t connect on the header
69′ – Lampard skies a free kick from 27 meters out. Watching highlights of Altidore’s shot – Green pushed onto post. So close.
65′ – Jozy Altidore nearly gives the U.S. the lead with a great run and shot
62′ – Bocanegra with a powerful header, but it goes wide
61′ – Yellow for Gerrard on edge of box. Free kick for U.S.
52′ - Heskey gets past Gooch (who is out of place again) but Howard stops the shot. Heskey could have done better
48′ – England with early pressure in the second half but U.S. defense up to the task
HT – The Americans bounced back after Gerrard’s early goal and even slowed down some English attacks. A gift from Green and this thing is tied with 45 minutes to play.
40′ – What a howler for England. Clint Dempsey puts a weak ball on goal and Robert Green can’t handle it and it’s tied 1-1. Shocking stuff. Green is public enemy #1 in England right now.
39′ – Dononvan gives it a go at goal but is wide left. He hasn’t touched the ball nearly enough but has been effective when he does
37′ – SWP finds some space in the U.S. defense (they all are) but his shot sails high and wide
35′ – English pressure yields no results
33′ – Altidore with a non-threatening long shot that is easily scooped up by Green
31′ – England makes a chance while Howard is treated – Shaun Wright Phillips in for James Milner.
29′ – Tim Howard injured while diving to punch ball out.
25′ – A header wide by Gooch follows a yellow card for Milner.
19′ – The best chance for the U.S. as Jozy Altidore nearly gets a head and Clint Dempsey on the back post as Landon Donovan sends in a good ball for the Americans.
England preventing the U.S. from putting much together at this point. Ameicans don’t seem stunned from Gerrard’s goal but are playing tentative on offense.
The United States first chance is a header straight at goal by Clint Dempsey.
Lampard has a free kick deflected out for a corner kick. Despite a handball on the corner, England is controlling the action.
Seems to plenty of blame to go around on that goal. Starting with Gooch, Bradley, Clark and Bocanegra.
4′ – GOAL! Steven Gerrard takes advantage of sloppy defense and scores on England’s first chance to give England a 1-0 lead.
2′ – Ball bouncing around the midfield so far as neither side has taken any control
1′ – England are in white today and the United States in all blue
2:28 – The national anthems have played. It’s just about time for kickoff.
1:33 – England manager Fabio Capello has chosed Robert Green over David James in goal for England.
Green,Johnson, Terry,King,A.Cole,Lennon, Gerrard,Lampard,Milner,Heskey, Rooney
1:29 – Just one surprise in the United States starting line-up as Robbie Findley gets the start, showing the Bob Bradley wants speed up top.
G: Howard, D: Cherundolo, Onyewu, Bocaegra MF: Donovan, Dempsey, Clark, Bradley FW: Altidore, Findley
Hello and welcome to our live blog coverage of the United States and England in the World Cup. Please check back here often throughout the game for updates.