On 22 minutes Italy went ahead with a goal following a free kick....poor defending from the USA team: 0 - 1
On 28 minutes USA went ahead.... They out a ball in from thei right wing and a hapless Italian defender accidentally kicked it in: 1 - 1
Shortly after that Di Rossi smashed an elbow into McBride's face and was given a straight Red card - sent off despite peotesting his innocence (THe slow notion replays demonstrated the diabolical nature of his elbow Mcbride went off for some pitchside treatment and to put a clean blood-free shirt on and re-joined the fray.
The half also saw a great strike from Mastroeni for USA whic almost dipped into the net but went the wrong side of the crossbar and USA were denied.
Just before half time Mastroeni was also red carded for a late tackle...which I thought was a harsh decision as I have seen worse go unpunished.
Both managers will be doing their half time talk now... Lots to do and an exciting second half awaits us.