Source: Team_Talk
Beasley low after USA defeat
The reigning world champions came from behind to beat the USA.
Substitute Giuseppe Rossi starred for the Azzurri after coming off the bench just short of the hour mark in the match in Pretoria and netting a brace that lifted them joint top of Group B alongside Brazil.
Italy, who were making their debut in the competition, fell 1-0 behind thanks to a Landon Donovan penalty three minutes before half time.
That strike came shortly after a straight red card was handed to Ricardo Clark for a foul on Gennaro Gattuso, whose acrobatics did not help the American midfielder.
But the introduction of Rossi just before the hour mark turned the game. The Villarreal striker blasted home from 30 yards to equalise, before Daniele De Rossi put Italy in front with 18 minutes left.
Rossi then added the finishing touch in injury time and helped Lippi's team make a perfect start to the tournament.
Beasley, a 72nd-minute substitute, said that the loss was difficult to take, especially after turning in such a credible performance.
He said: "It's a tough loss, but you need to give Italy credit. They capitalised on our mistakes. We basically kind of game them the game. We had everything under the control and a couple of mistakes put us out of the game.
"But we can take a lot of positives, we had a lot of chances, could have scored more goals. I think it's a little harsh that we didn't get anything out of it, but that's how it goes sometimes."
The Rangers midfielder conceded that the dismissal of Clark was a harsh call on his team-mates, but had to be respected.
He added: "The red card was very disappointing. Some of the guys have seen the tape and I think it's a little harsh maybe, but at the same time the referee made the decision and we have to respect that.
"But the boys fought very, very well for 70 minutes and we have to give them credit for that. Still, it's only a first game and hopefully we can give it a good go against Brazil."
