Sports
Clint Dempsey scored on a blunder by goalkeeper Robert Green in the 40th minute, and the United States came from behind to tie England 1-1 in the Americans’ World Cup opener Saturday. Steven Gerrard had put England ahead in the fourth minute, blowing past Ricardo Clark to beat goalkeeper Tim Howard from inside the 6-yard box.
But Dempsey tied the score when his 25-yard shot skipped off the grass twice and bounced in off Green’s hand, yet another in a long line of shocking gaffes by England goalkeepers. It made Dempsey only the second American to score in two World Cups, joining Brian McBride.
As shocking as it was, it also kind of wasn’t. Green had more errors leading to goals than any other Premier League player last season (4) according to the statisticians at Opta. And now he’s got a big one in the World Cup.
In the end, both sides took a point from a 1-1 draw, which should be good enough for both going into the next two group matches. So, not all that bad for Robert Green. Assuming England advances to the knockout round as expected and Green doesn’t let this happen again, it should all be forgotten in a few days.
Seems easy enough. Hands behind the ball, looking focused, then…
His thoughts here started with “Oh” and ended with any number of expletives.
Photos: Getty, AP
Submit your newstip or news photos
