U.S. flops in Confederations Cup opener

The U.S. Men's National Team began play today in the Confederations Cup in South Africa in forgettable fashion. The U.S., playing in what some are calling the "group of death", faced defending world champion Italy today. The Americans put in a performance similar to Jekyll and Hyde with a strong first half followed by a flop of a second half.

Working against the American squad was a red card issued to Ricardo Clark in the 33rd minute for a late tackle on Italy's Gennaro Gattuso. Up to that point the game had seen nothing more than toothless offensive forays from both teams, but after Clark's departure the U.S. seemed re-energized despite playing 10 v 11. The increased U.S. effort was rewarded in the 41st minute as Jozy Altidore raced into the Italian 18yd box only to be hauled down by Giorgio Chiellini. Landon Donovan converted the PK for his 40th international goal and sent the U.S. into halftime up 1-0.

The first half however would see the end of the U.S.' good play as the second half was dominated by an Italian side that took full advantage of being a man up. American born Giuseppe Rossi pulled Italy even just one minute after coming into the game with a frozen rope shot from 30yds in the 58th minute. Daniele De Rossi would score from 15yds out in the 72nd minute to put Italy ahead for good at 2-1. Guiseppe would get himself another goal in stoppage time off an Andrea Pirlo cross to give Italy a 3-1 win to open the tournament.

For Italy, today's game was a fantastic start to the Confederations Cup and a statement to the world that the champs are ready to defend their title. Italy showed amazing resiliency, after a slow start they came out strong in the second half and exploded offensively after Rossi's 58th minute goal tied the game.

For the U.S. it was a disappointing way to open the tournament and perhaps brought back concerns over their recent form. The U.S. is having a tough time in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Two weeks ago they were embarrassed in Costa Rica in a 3-0 defeat and barely escaped defeat at the hands of Honduras last week in Chicago.

The Confederations Cup is off to an interesting start, particularly in the "group of death" as Brazil had an old fashioned shoot out with Egypt earlier in the day resulting in a 4-3 win for Brazil. Group B will definitely be the more interesting to keep an eye on in the next week. The U.S. hasn't got long to lick its wounds as they face Brazil on Thursday.