USA ties Mexico in coach's debut

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Robbie Rogers scored in the 73rd minute Wednesday, lifting the United States to a 1-1 tie with Mexico in the debut as American coach for Jurgen Klinsmann.

The former star player from Germany was hired to take over the U.S. national team after Bob Bradley was fired last month.

The friendly match was an anticipated duel between the old rivals, not just because of Klinsmann's appearance but because Mexico had defeated the Americans in the finals of Gold Cup in June.

Oribe Peralta scored for Mexico in the 17th minute and the United States did not record its first shot on goal until the 54th minute.

Rogers tied it on a play set up by Brek Shea, who took a pass from Juan Agudelo and drew the defense while dashing into the box. As he approached the endline, Shea slid a pass across the face of the goal to Rogers, who had no opposition as he deflected the ball into the net.

Rogers was taken down on a breakaway attempt in the 86th minute by Mexico's Gerardo Torrado, but Torrado only drew a yellow card.

The United States-Mexico meeting was one of several friendly matches among high-profile teams played around the world Wednesday.

Italy defeated Spain 2-1 in a confrontation between the two most recent World Cup winners. Germany downed Brazil 3-2 in the first win in 18 years for the Germans over the Brazilians.