Beaten 3-0 in its World Cup Group E opener against the Czech Republic on Monday, the Americans bounced back with a 1-1 tie against favored Italy on Saturday.

After Alberto Gilardino scored for Italy, the Americans tied the match when Cristian Zaccardo put the ball in his own net.

The tying goal came before Daniel De Rossi was shown a straight red for an elbow to the face of Brian McBride to leave Italy with just 10 men.

The drama continued when the Americans lost both Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope to sendings-off. Despite being a man down, the U.S. was able to salvage a tie.

"We learned from our mistakes the other day (against the Czechs)," Keller said. "We learned from that and we gave everything. These guys are dead (tired) and proved that Americans don't roll over, that's for sure. I can't say enough about the guys in front of me.

"We're in this tournament and we have a good chance now. Of course we wanted three points but the point, in these circumstances, is phenomenal."