US claw back to hold spirited Slovenia
A year ago the USA were leading Brazil 2-0 at halftime in the final of the Confederations Cup only to see the Latin Americans fire home three unanswered goals in the second period. At the Ellis Park Stadium at Johannesburg on Friday, it was the Americans’ turn to produce a memorable second-half rally, which save for a disallowed goal would have ended in victory.
With a partisan crowd waving the red-white and blue and egging them on, the Americans staged a memorable comeback to hold Slovenia to a 2-2 draw.
Second-half goals from stalwart Landon Donavon and midfielder Michael Bradley, helped rescue a point for the US and keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage from Group C alive.
The US could have even ended up victors. In the 86th minute, a perfectly whipped-in cross from Donavon on a set-piece found Maurice Edu in the penalty box and he fired it home. However, the goal was disallowed as the burly striker was adjudged to have fouled the Slovenian defender. For Slovenia the 13th minute proved to be lucky as they went a goal to the good. Valter Birsa received the ball 25 yards out, took a step forward and when none of the American defenders closed him down, fired home a curling left-footer which beat goalkeeper Tim Howard all ends up.
The Americans fought back and their best chance fell to midfielder Francisco Torres — who struck a fierce freekick from the right edge of the box that bought the best out of Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.
The tiny European nation doubled the advantage in the 42nd minute. A clever through ball from striker Milivoje Novakovic released partner Zlatan Ljubijankic, who beat the offside trap, and showed a cool head in a one-on-one with Howard to ensure Slovenia went into the breather two goals to the good.
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