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

FRANKFURT: World Cup Group D result here on Saturday:

Portugal 2

Iran 0

Ghana win

COLOGNE: Group E result on Saturday:

Czech Republic 0

Ghana 2

Today’s matches (time in PST)

• Japan v Croatia at 6pm

• Brazil v Australia at 9pm

• France v South Korea at 12 midnight