[q]Hmm, not sure what to make of that offside decision. McBride didn't seem to touch the ball, but the fact that he was there in the first place (both because he was in a position to control it, and because he was blocking Buffon's line of sight) could mean he's considered active. Still, the US are looking threatening even with their numerical disadvantage, and with twenty minutes to go they could yet win this.[/q]

Well, the replays showed him trying to poke it in. He didn't make contact with the ball -- he didn't need to -- but he attempted it, from an offside position, and maybe that's why they called offside. He definitely attempted a swipe at it. A beautiful strike from Beasley, though.

All the red cards are going to be debated, hotly defended and controversial. But there's no denying this match was a very physical one right from the start, when Totti was yellow carded under five minutes of play, and a million free kicks given away.

Full credit to the USA -- they played brilliantly against all odds. Keller made some great saves; Landon Donovan, Jesus Christ, was amazing. They clung on, the USA, and surely no critic will deny that. A much, much better game than they had against the Czechs. If they continue on in this vein, they'll give Ghana a run for their money. Italy didn't shine overmuch, and the Czech Republic -- if they pick themselves up after their loss -- might provide a good match yet.

With so many teams confirmed a place in the 16, it's fantastic to have a nail-baiting last round of matches.