体坛英语新闻：U.S. holds England to 1-1 draw in first half of World Cup group match

RUSTENBURG, South Africa, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States held England to a 1-1 draw in the first half of Group C opener at the 2010 South Africa World Cup here on Saturday.

The resource-rich city of Rustenburg in northwest of South Africa was submerged in the flags of England with huge gathering of football fans, which obviously infused energy into The Three Lions.

Captain Steven Gerrand, midfield genius of England, showed a good example by scoring a brisk goal at the fourth minute after taking a cross from his teammate from the left wing, leaving U.S. goalkeeper Tom Howard in pain.

Frank Lampard (L) of England kicks the ball during a group C first round match against the United States at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenberg, South Africa, on June 12, 2010. The match ended with a 1-1 tie.

That spurred the men of Bob Bradley into full attack thereafter. One highlight in the waves of assaults was that U.S. veteran Landon Donovan managed a brilliant pass right above the head of his teammate, American top scorer Jozy Altidore. Altidore, however, failed to change it into a successful header.

The equalizer came in a sudden and dramatic way at the 40th minute. A long-distance shot by Clint Dempsy slipped away from the grip of England goalkeeper Robert Green and rolled directly into the net. Green and David Beckham, who came to cheer for his teammates on the sideline, were both stunned by the abrupt change.