The U.S. run at the World Youth Championship in the Netherlands ended today when the Americans fell to Italy, 3-1, in the round of 16.
The Americans took the lead in the 44th minute on a controversial penalty kick, converted by Hunter Freeman after Italian keeper Emeliano Viviano was adjudged to have moved in saving Freddy Adu's initial attempt. A minute later, Chad Barrett could have given the USA a two-goal lead going into halftime but Viviano made a sprawling save on Barrett's close-in attempt.
If the Americans looked crisp in the first half, they collapsed under the pressure of an early Italian assault in the second half. The young Azzurri deserved the win, though they were helped by two fortunate goals — Daniele Galloppa's shot deflected off the back of Jonathan Spector and beat U.S. keeper Quentin Westberg, going the wrong direction, in the 54th minute and Sacha Kljestan's sliding clearance attempt was slotted into his own goal in the 75th minute.
There was nothing lucky about Graziano Pelle's winning goal. He alluded the challenge of Marvell Wynne, put the ball on his left foot and beat Westberg from 20 yards in the 64th minute.
The game was effectively over after the Kljestan own goal, but Viviano came up big with lte saves on Sammyy Ochoa and Chad Barrett.