WORLD CUP: Italy 1, United States 1

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany, June 17 (UPI) -- Italy remains on the top of Group E after being fought by the United States to a 1-1 tie in World Cup play in Germany.

But the United States remained in contention before its final game.

Italy leads Group E with four points; the United States is at the bottom with one.

Despite the score, the U. S. team didn't get a goal.

Italy took the lead when Alberto Gilardino headed the ball in at the 22nd minute. However, the lead only lasted five minutes. Italy's Cristian Zaccardo turned the ball into his own net, FIFAworldcup.com reported.

The match was also full of incidents that officials jumped to control.

Italy's Daniele De Rossi got the first of the three red cards handed out in the match a minute after Zaccardo's misstep. The United States' Pablo Mastroeni got his red card in the 45th minute, and Eddie Pope got his two minutes into the second half.

Italy goes on to meet Ghana, FIFA said, and the United States faces the Czech Republic, still smarting from its 2-0 upset handed out by Ghana.

Meanwhile, Italy is one point ahead of the Czechs and Ghana in Group E prior to next week's battle with the Czech Republic.