Clint Dempsey strike sinks Italy - international friendlies round-up

29 February 2012 23:24
Italy suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to the United States in Genoa with Clint Dempsey netting the winner on 55 minutes.[LNB][LNB]The Azzurri had numerous chances to equalise but were deniedby some good goalkeeping from Everton's Tim Howard at the Luigi Ferraris stadium.[LNB]The Americans, who had failed to beat Italy in theirprevious 10 attempts, claimed their fourth straight win under coach JurgenKlinsmann, while Italy suffered their second straight loss after defeat againstUruguay in November.[LNB] Hot streak: Demspey has been unstoppable in front of goal for club and country[LNB]Elsewhere, Olivier Giroud scored his first international goal as France beat fellow Euro 2012 finalists Germany 2-1 in Bremen.[LNB]The Montpellier striker, the leading scorer in Ligue 1 this season, netted after 21 minutes and veteran Florent Malouda (69) added a second to ensure Cacau's 90th-minute effort was a consolation for the hosts.[LNB]Roberto Soldado pushed his Euro 2012 claims with a hat-trick in Spain's 5-0 win over 10-man Venezuela.[LNB]In the absence of regular strikers David Villa and Fernando Torres the Valencia man shone, and could even afford to miss a 66th-minute penalty.[LNB]Andres Iniesta and David Silva had already fired Spain 2-0 ahead before Soldado took over in the second half. Venezuela had Fernando Amorebieta sent off before Soldado missed his spot kick.[LNB]Lionel Messi struck a hat-trick to fire Argentina to a 3-1 win over Switzerland in their friendly international in Bern.

Source: Daily_Mail