USA fightback denies Slovenia

The USA came back from 2-0 down against Slovenia to keep their hopes of qualification alive - and give England hope.

In an entertaining affair between England's Group C rivals, Slovenia stunned the Americans with a dominant first half display, and deservedly took the lead with Valter Birsa's superb left foot strike from distance after 13 minutes.

Zlatan Ljubijankic capped off a neat move just minutes before half-time to leave the Europeans minnows just 45 minutes away from qualification to the second round.

However, the USA had shown spirit throughout, and scored within three minutes of the restart when Landon Donovan skipped past his marker on the right hand side, and fired into the roof of the net from close range.

Both teams then produced several chances with a combination of exciting counter-attacking football and sloppy defending, but the Americans got the breakthrough when Michael Bradley slammed home the impressive Jozy Altidore's knockdown on the 82nd minute.

And the US should have nicked all three points when from a late free-kick a seemingly perfectly good goal from half-time sub Edu was ruled out for a foul. Coach Bob Bradley was livid after the game and demanded an explanation after the match.

Nonetheless, a point each was a fair reflection on a very lively 90 minutes - and England won't be complaining either.