Nine-man US praise team spirit after Italy draw

KAISERSLUTERN, June 18 (Reuters) The United States hailed their best result in Europe after playing most of the second half with nine men in 1-1 draw with Italy.

''To tie Italy with nine men has got to be one of the best results we're ever gained,'' said US captain Claudio Reyna yesterday. ''This was huge, especially against a top team like Italy.

''It was a very difficult match for us,'' he added. ''We gave everything we had. We were extremely motivated to get a point.

We've a lot of confidence and the team spirit is really high.'' Just five days after losing 3-0 to Czech Republic, the U.S.

played with nine-men from the 47th minute to draw with the three-times champions in a Group E clash that had everything.

Apart from three red cards to equal a World Cup record, there was an own goal, a blood-splattered striker in the shape of Brian McBride who needed stitches after an elbow to the face and a late injury that left Italy effectively with nine men.

Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda was kept busy throughout an absorbing match from which the U.S. had to get something to keep their hopes of reaching the second round alive.

''I would have absolutely been throwing up if we gave this game away at the end and Italy won it on some great strike,'' US goalkeeper Kasey Keller told reporters.

TEAM EFFORT Keller, the Man of the Match after a string of outstanding saves, praised his team mates for their gutsy performance.

''This was a total team effort,'' he said. ''Those guys bled today for our country and for our team. I can't say enough, I'm just happy to help out once in a while.'' Despite making a surprise run to the quarter-finals in 2002, the US have never fared well at finals held in Europe.

The draw with Italy was the first time they have taken a point in a World Cup match on the continent, having lost all eight previous games dating to a 7-1 defeat by Italy in 1934.

The US camp said it was their grittiest, and maybe best, performance in the modern era and would ensure the team from a country that plays 'soccer' would be given new-found respect.

Who reaches the knockout stage from Group E will be decided on Thursday when leaders Italy, who have four points, face Czech Republic who are level with Ghana on three points.

Reyna and his team, who have just one point, know full well the weight of expectation surrounding the match with Ghana.

''We have to beat Ghana now, no doubt about it,'' he said. ''We have a super chance now. If we can win and hope that Italy win, then we're through. That's our goal and we can achieve it.'' Keller, who firmly discounted speculation that there had been rows in the squad after the shocking performance against the Czechs, reinforced how determined the U.S. are to advance.

''This team is not going out without a fight,'' he said.

''Sure, we had a hiccup in the first game and that's going to happen in this sport and we might just lose to Ghana. But I tell you one thing -- Ghana are going to know they're in a battle.'' REUTERS PDS RAI0632