I'll be honest, I didn't see most of the US/Italy game on the weekend - that's what happens on a Saturday with the fridge empty, a new house and a new wife.  BUT, I DO have satellite radio and while the missus and I were running around, we did listen to most of the game and from what I heard, it was a much improved US performance - which I expected.  I caught the last 15-minutes on TV and was equally impressed. 

What I didn't expect is for the referee to hand out three red cards.  I thought for sure when Pope was sent off, the Americans were done - but great resolve and great move by Bruce Arena to bring on DaMarcus Beasley for Clint Dempsey - and it almost paid off with a goal were it not for a clear offside.

I liked the fact the US kept attacking the Italians and were not content with the point.  That's all they may have gotten out of it but they showed that even a man down, they are still somewhat dangerous - and I agree with many pundits out there that THIS is the US team people have been expecting to see.

But at the same time - WAS it a great US showing - or a poor Italian one?  Marcelo Lippi's side made some uncharacteristic lapses in defence giving the US chances to get the full points and I think that says a lot about the game - for both sides.  Arena treated them like a wounded animal - and kept going at them which I admire.  It shows he had a great sense of the flow of this game. 

BUT

When they play the way we all know they can play, Italy are almost unbeatable.  When the US play the way we hope they can play - it's better, but still not enough to beat the greats.  Let's remember that while they took a point, they didn't score - and when they had chances to, there wasn't the finish required - which isn't just a US problem, lots of WC teams are having finishing issues (England, Holland, Italy).

Don't get me wrong - I liked what I saw from the US very much.  They showed that they can play with the best - but I'm still not convinced they can beat the best 11 v 11.  But a gutsy performance 10 v 9 and lets hope they build on it going forward!

**As an aside, I must comment on the WC coverage on satellite radio.  It is outstanding!!  XM has done a wonderful job and while I (as a listener) would like to hear the European commentary, I (as a broadcaster) appreciate the fact North American Play-by-Play guys are getting a shot at it.  Nicely done!  By the way, XM has all the World Cup games on ch. 148.