RUSTENBURG, South Africa — England’s players couldn’t get off the field fast enough. The Americans lingered to savor the night.
They walked to the end of Royal Bafokeng Stadium where thousands of red, white and blue-clad fans were waving the Stars and Stripes and cheering their heads off.
Try convincing the U.S. team and its fans there wasn’t a winner in the 1-1 draw with mighty England.
“We’ll take more out of a draw than they will,” said U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard, the man of the match. “They’re going to feel like they should have won the game.”
Facing the Three Lions in the World Cup for the first time in 60 years, the Americans rallied and then hung on for an instant boost in confidence that they could advance to the second round.
Clint Dempsey became only the second American to score in two World Cups, getting the tying goal in the 40th minute on a blunder by goalkeeper Robert Green. Howard made six saves, withstanding a second-half barrage by Wayne Rooney and his celebrated teammates.
“I think a lot of us came off the field satisfied with this result, but maybe a little disappointed we didn’t get more out of the game,” U.S. star Landon Donovan said.
Steven Gerrard put England ahead in the fourth minute, blowing past Ricardo Clark to beat Howard from short range. Dempsey tied it when Green fumbled his 25-yard shot that skipped off the ground twice, yet another mistake in a long line by English goalkeepers.
“Mentally, we’re strong enough to get over it, and as a goalkeeper these things happen,” Green said. “You prepare yourself for not letting it affect you.”
Anticipation had built for six months for the much-hyped game, the first competitive meeting between the nations since the famous 1-0 U.S. upset at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. There were viewing parties across America, and several Major League Soccer teams opened their stadiums to show the match on large video boards.
“I’m sure they were excited in bars back home. I can only imagine it was pretty intense,” Howard said. “We’re a resilient side, you know. “
Howard bruised his ribs when Emile Heskey’s foot slid into him in the 29th minute.
Then he saved the Americans time and again in the second half, frustrating the very high-priced stars he faces each week when he plays for Everton in the English Premier League.
England 1 0 — 1
United States 1 0 — 1
First half — 1, England, Steven Gerrard 1, 4th minute. 2, United States, Clint Dempsey 1, 40th.
Second half — None.
Shots — England 18, United States 12. Shots on goal — England 7, United States 4. Yellow cards — England, James Milner, 26th; Jamie Carragher, 59th; Steven Gerrard, 61st. United States, Steven Cherundolo, 39th; Jay DeMerit, 47th; Robbie Findley, 74th. Offsides — England 5, United States 2. Fouls committed — England 12, United States 14. Fouls against — England 11, United States 10. Corner kicks — England 8, United States 4.
