It was fun while it lasted

After a timid win against Japan and a crushing last second (literaly) draw vs. the Netherlands, the US men only needed a draw to move on.

And they couldn't even manage that.

Maurice Edu reacts to the final whistle.

Scoreline - August 13, 2008
Nigeria: 2
Isaac 39'; Obinna 79'
US: 1
Kljestan 88' PK

Once again, the US was victimized by a Red Card ejection. This time it was defender Michael Orozco - and (amazingly) it was completely justified.

Orozco apparently felt that the best time to throw an elbow is right in front of the referee.

FOUR minutes into the game.

So, the US spends the following hour and a half playing a man down.

Way to go Orozco, you can now hang with Becks and Zidane - oh wait - they were ejected in BIG games. Maybe you can hang with Rigobert Song (it was quick).

Losing a man woke the US up. They played hard - and attacked well. They just couldn't attack and recover well with ten men.

Nigeria has some brilliant attackers (Obinna's goal was something else) and you give them space - they will hurt you.

Down a goal and a man - you've got no real hope.

We nabbed a penalty at the end - Nigeria was reverting to fouls - we even had a crushingly good attempt hit the crosspost - but come the final whistle, we were done.

As ever, it's up to the women's team to bring home the medals.