Slovenia, US draw 2-2 in gripping match

JOHANNESBURG - The United States fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Slovenia and keep their qualification chances in the football World Cup alive after a spectacular match at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park.

Slovenia, the team from the smallest country in the World Cup, had anticipated becoming the first to qualify for the knock-out stage of the tournament after going 2-0 up at half time with goals from Valter Birsa and Zlatan Ljubijankic.

But second-half goals from Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley capped a gritty performance from the Americans Friday.

The result put Slovenia in first place in the Group C standings. However, the Europeans will still have to work hard to qualify for the Round of 16 when they meet England Wednesday.