France (3) v (3) USA*

By George Thomson

USA EDGED out France on penalties in a tightly contested match at the Melbourne Pitch.

Despite the afternoon heat, this was a highly physical and passionate encounter.

The star of the show was American keeper Tim Commons, who produced one of the finest individual displays of the tournament so far.

Organising and cajoling from the back, Commons looked like he wanted to burst out of his box and take on France by himself.

Desperate but determined defending allowed the USA to soak up three minutes of French pressure before they themselves could break the deadlock with a counter-attack goal.

Responding instantly, the France team cranked up the pressure, scoring with two well-taken strikes before half-time and even hit the bar with an audacious chip.

The second half continued where the first had left off, with scrappy and aggressive play indicating how determined each team was to earn a result.

Mid-way through the half, the Americans equalised with a dipping shot from the half way line. More heroics from Commons followed but there was little he could do to stop a French penalty.

The USA came back again though, Cornelius Bracy scoring one of the goals of the day with a strong strike from deep within his own half.

With 10 seconds left, Commons pulled off yet another fine save to deny France a chance to take the match.

Once the game went to penalties the crowd knew only one man would decide the outcome.

Sure enough, America's successful kick was followed by a low save from the colossal Commons and the USA had the points.

Photos: Photoworx