It may not have been the cleanest game ever played, but Team USA was able to pull out a 1-0 victory over Japan its first game in group play.
The lone goal came in the 47th minute off Stuart Holden's foot.
Holden got the ball on a deflection off Hiroki Mizumoto, the Japanese captain, and sent it low toward the net. Japanese goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa slowed the ball, but was unable to stop it from dribbling in.
Japan surged late, twice in regulation and once in stoppage time, almost scoring the equalizer by finding gaps in the U.S. defense.
U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan finished the game with two saves.
In the first half, Japan had the chance to take an easy 2-0 lead, but inaccurate finishing touches pushed the ball just wide both times.
The Netherlands is up next for the United States on Sunday. The game will be broadcast on USA at 7:45 a.m.
Game stats courtesy of ussoccer.com.
Statistical Summary: USA / JPN
Shots: 8 / 8
Shots on Goal: 4 / 2
Saves: 2 / 3
Corner Kicks: 2 / 5
Fouls: 15 / 18
Offside: 2 / 4
Yellow cards: 3 / 2
Red cards: 0 / 0
Substitutions: 3 / 3
(Thanks to ussoccer.com for the photo!)
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