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Lippi makes his excuses as Italy are held by USA
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-06-18 10:51
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - Italy coach Marcello Lippi blamed tiredness for his team's disappointing 1-1 World Cup draw with nine-man USA.

Saturday's result means that all four teams in Group E, which also includes Ghana and the Czech Republic, still have a chance of making the last 16.

"Obviously we expected a better result, but I feel we paid the price for the energy we used up in the Ghana match," Lippi said.

"Id had a few warning signs in the week and it was a patchy performance."

Alberto Gilardino gave Italy the lead with a diving header, but an own goal by Cristian Zaccardo brought the USA back on level terms before tempers flared and three players were sent off.

Italy's Daniele De Rossi was the first to go for elbowing Brian McBride in the face and the USA's Pablo Mastroeni shortly followed him down the tunnel for clattering into Andrea Pirlo.

The Americans were then reduced to nine men a minute after half time when Eddie Pope picked up his second yellow card.

It was only the fourth time in the history of the World Cup that three players had been sent off in the same match.

Lippi said the match may have been exciting for the fans, but not for him.

"It was a crazy game with the ball going from end to end and three red cards," he said.

"It made for good entertainment, but it wasn't easy for a coach."

Lippi was unhappy with the way his players lost their cool.

"I'm disappointed and angry," he said. "We were nervous and we paid the price for it in the end."

Asked if he was mad at De Rossi, Lippi replied: "This stays inside the camp, I don't go public on these things."

Gilardino admitted the USA were a tough nut to crack.

"We came up against a strong team and determined team, but we knew that already," said the AC Milan striker.

"Now we have to prepare over the next five days and make sure we put in a great performance against the Czech Republic."

USA goalkeeper Kasey Keller paid tribute to his teammates.

"These guys bled today for our country and our team," Keller said.

"I'm proud of everybody."

The result leaves the group wide open going into the final first round match with Italy on four points, followed by the Czech Republic and Ghana both on three and the USA on one.

Italy next face the Czech Republic in Hamburg next Thursday, while the USA take on Ghana in Nuremberg the same day.