Tank's Day 2 Summary

Game of the Day: As an American, there's no way I can pick something other than USA/England here. If you were a neutral observer, you could make an argument for Nigeria/Argentina (but you'd still be wrong). As one of the most hyped group stage matches, USA/England definitely delivered. While England most certainly outplayed the Yanks, it wasn't the domination I think the "football" rabid country was expecting. England managed to get on the board first as an excellent touch by Emile Helskey found a gaping hole in the U.S. defense. From there, it was easy pickings for Steven Gerrard as he managed to guide it past Tim Howard from a few yards inside the eighteen. However, that would be the last point anybody in the entire country of England would come remotely close to cracking a smile. I'm sure there were plenty of "blimeys" and "crikeys" being shared in pubs across the country (or is that Australia?) as England time and time again was turned away from the American's box. Most of that can be credited to Tim Howard as he made several world class saves, but Onyweu and Cherundolo both turned in what I considered very quality performances. Late in the first half, the U.S. equalized off a "school boy" mistake by England keeper Robert Green as Martin Tyler so eloquently put it. American Clint Dempsey launched what appeared to be a harmless shot on goal from just outside the eighteen, but as Green tried to reel in the ball, it simply took a skid off his chest and squeaked past his outstretched arms. If England misses out on advancing out of the group because of this draw, Green will become just another scapegoat in England's long history of failing to meet expectations. The second half was pretty uneventful as England controlled the flow of the game. Despite a series of good chances, they were continually turned away by both Howard and the U.S. defenders. A wondrous run by Jozy Altidore about midway through the 2nd half nearly put the Americans ahead as he tried to sneak one inside the near post. Green got just enough on the ball such that it deflected off of the woodwork out of the danger zone. As the final whistle blew, it was obvious who "won" this match. English players seemed a bit concerned as they clearly expected to take 3 points today. On the other end of the spectrum, the U.S. squad lingered on the field, soaking in the atmosphere and acknowledging the thousands of American supporters on hand.

Player of the Day: Tim Howard/Park Ji-Sung (tie). I have to give some credit to a South Korean squad that easily gave the most dominating performance of the tournament thus far. The Manchester United man gave South Korea a 2 goal lead early in the second half to all but put away a Greek squad that was lucky to not give up another goal or two. The South Koreans dominated player with almost a hybrid European/South American style where they mixed both inventive play with a precise and efficient possession strategy. On the other hand, Tim Howard is the main reason (other than Robert Green) that the U.S. came away with a point today. Howard ended the day with 5 big stops, highlighted by a 1 on 1 save against Emile Heskey early in the 2nd half.

Play of the Day: The above mentioned save by Howard on Heskey really set the tone for the second half. I think it was clear that the U.S. would be happy to go to bed tonight with a point in their pocket, and the bend don't break mentality clearly frustrated the English players.

Almost Play of the Day: Don't mean to continue to harp on this England/USA game, but Altidore's 2nd half chance off the frame could have sent England into a new Dark Age. Despite being definitively out-chanced by England in the second half, there's no argument that the Americans had the best chance of the half. Oh, what could have been.

Impact on Group B and C: While Argentina wasn't exactly convincing in their 1-0 win over Nigeria today, they must be satisfied with the result. Struggling through much of qualifying, there are a plethora of questions surrounding Maradona's uber talented squad. Despite barely staving off an onslaught of Nigerian chances late in the game, Messi and company managed to hold on for a big 3 points. In the other Group B match, South Korea dominated a hapless Greece team. For a squad typically known for its ability to bunker down and frustrate opponents, Greece was taken behind the woodshed today. South Korea could have easily ended up with 4 or 5 goals by the end of the day. With that being said, the Koreans sit atop Group B after the first round of games, putting themselves in nice position to advance. With the other half of Group C meeting tomorrow morning, all eyes were on the USA/England game. The U.S. is definitely more satisfied with the point garnered today. While a loss wouldn't have ended the American's chances of getting out of the group, it would have severely hindered them as only 8% of teams that open the World Cup with a loss manage to get out of the group stage. However, if the U.S.A. rests on their laurels, they could find themselves in a deep hole as a match-up with a quality Slovenia side is merely days away. England are still the favorites to get out of the group, despite the disappointing result. While most expected a win, maybe those limeys will take something positive out of this as the 1966 team that took home the Cup also opened their tournament with a draw.