In the first match of Group C play England had a chance to avenge its 0-1 defeat to the United States in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. Surprisingly, the teams had not met since in World Cup action until they clashed in Rustenberg, South Africa.
And less than four minutes into the match, when Steven Gerrard took a beautiful through pass in the 18 yard box from striker Emile Heskey and deposited it coolly into the net, England appeared well on its way to restoring its dignity.
But the Americans battled back, and their shaky defense settled down behind the solid play of goal keeper Tim Howard. Howard is a staple for Everton Football Club in the English Premier League and was once a regular starter with Manchester United; in Rustenberg, under an insane symphony of vuvuzelahes, the American goalkeeper showed why.
The British held the lion's share of possession, but American midfielder Landon Donovan and fullback Steve Cherundolo made creative moves down the left side of the English defense -- so much so that English skipper Fabio Cappella substituted Shawn Wright-Phillips for Stephen Millner after just 30 minutes.
But things really got interesting in the 39th minute of play after midfielder Clint Dempsey spun away from a couple defenders and fired off what seemed to be a relatively toothless shot. But a lapse in concentration cost the English as the ball squirted into the net underneath goalkeeper Robert Green, bringing the USA level with England. The cut-away shot to David Beckham's reaction was priceless.
Fortunately for Green, England will probably advance out of Group C and could possibly win the World Cup. In those circumstances this slip-up might prove to be only a forgotten footnote with some hilarious English tabloid headlines. But if England fails to advance, Green's flub could go down as one of the ultimate bonehead plays in sports history.
