KAISERSLAUTERN, June 17: Italy and the United States drew 1-1 in an explosive World Cup match on Saturday in which a record-equalling three players were sent off, two of them Americans.

Italy took a 22nd minute lead through Alberto Gilardino but the advantage lasted just five minutes before Italian defender Cristian Zaccardo scored an own goal.

A minute later his fellow-defender Daniele De Rossi was sent off for elbowing American striker Brian McBride in the face.

But US midfielder Pablo Mastroeni was shown a red card for a sliding tackle just before halftime and forward Eddie Pope followed him back to the dressing room two minutes after the interval with a second yellow card.—Reuters

Portugal beat Iran