Germany back on track

A win needed
The win meant that Germany - who had lost their opening game against the Korean Republic - joined the Americans on three points from two matches in Group F. A victory against Paraguay in their final group game on Friday should now see the European side through.

Germany's double salvo
Germany took the lead on 47 minutes, when Robert Huth headed in after Piotr Trochowski had mis-hit his shot from a corner. Two goals in four minutes then decided the match, as first Trochowski and then Sebastian Kneissl scored. The US responded by throwing on 14-year-old prodigy Freddy Adu, and it was a foul on the teenager that led to the US consolation goal, with Zak Whitbread touching in the resulting free-kick. In the other game in the section, Paraguay beat the Korean Republic 1-0.

Irish fightback
The Republic of Ireland and the Ivory Coast are level on four points at the top of Group E after a pulsating 2-2 draw. The Irish twice fell behind to Arouna Kona goals either side of half-time, yet on each occasion they recovered to equalise, first through Stephen Paisley, then through Stephen Elliott's 74th-minute strike. The Ivorians had goalkeeper Daniel Yeboah sent off late in the game for handling outside his area. In the same group, Mexico and Saudi Arabia drew 1-1.

England lose again
Meanwhile, England can still progress despite a second consecutive defeat in Group D. Emad Motab's 74th-minute goal was enough to give Egypt a 1-0 victory against Les Reed's side, who had also lost their opening match against Japan. England must now beat group leaders Colombia on Friday to stay in the competition. In the other game, the Colombians thrashed Japan 4-1.