United States fightback thwarts Slovenia

Michael Bradley's 82nd-minute equaliser denied Slovenia a second consecutive win in Group C as they drew 2-2 in a pulsating affair in Johannesburg.

Slovenia had taken a two-goal first-half lead through Valter Birsa (13) and Zlatan Ljubijankič (42) and looked set to confirm their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time. However, Landon Donovan struck three minutes after the interval and Bradley's late intervention secured a point for the United States.

Slovenia's lively start to proceedings was rewarded when Birsa picked up the ball in space 25 metres out, set himself and bent a superb shot past a stationary Tim Howard into the corner. Matjaž Kek's side were impressing with their neat and tidy play, but it was when the United States were enjoying their first spell of dominance that Slovenia broke away to double their lead. A sweeping move ended with Milivoje Novakovič playing in Ljubijankič, who calmly slid his shot under the advancing Howard.

The United States were shocked but they responded well after reshuffling their pack during the break, when they made two substitutions. In the 48th minute, Donovan burst into the box before rifling the ball over Samir Handanovič into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Chances came and went at both ends but it was Bob Bradley's men who had the momentum and the coach's son, Michael, drew his side level, stabbing in Jozy Altidore's clever knockdown. Slovenia went back on the attack but could not regain the lead, although they still top the group on four points ahead of next Wednesday's final pool meeting with England.