D.C. United 1-1 Real Madrid.

A draw is not a fair reflection of a match in which Real Madrid had countless scoring chances. Despite having good opportunities, Van Nistelrooy lacked aim. Cassano scored the only goal of the game and proved to be the best player during the first half. Emerson performed outstandingly during the whole match that also saw Cannavro's debut. On Saturday they will play Real Salt Lake.

Before the match, Capello said Real Madrid would look like what he envisions them to be during the Spanish League. Emerson played in the midfield with De la Red. As in Graz, Capello entrusted the attack to Raúl, Van Nistelrooy and Cassano. During the first minutes of the game, Emerson was the best man on the field. He stole the ball from the opposing team, positioned his fellow team-mates, and helped defending whenever there was trouble. Nevertheless, either he or De la Red were suffering some kind of physical trouble, because Pablo García could be seen warming up various times during the first half.

Soon, though, DC United scored after taking advantage of Real Madrid loosing the ball in the midfield. After a beautiful play, Eskandarian scored in minute 25. From that moment on, Real Madrid started missing all the occasions for goal they got, and had to rely on self-control in order to strengthen themselves again. Cassano was the most prominent player, with a lot of mobility and helping out in the movement of the ball. He played as if it were an official match. Fabio Cannavaro made his debut in the second half and paired up with Sergio Ramos.

Other new players to jump on the field were Diego López, Pablo García, Cicinho and Robinho, who subbed Casillas, De la Red, Beckham and Cassano, respectively. The team became more consistent in the midfield and created more chances. Raúl's move to the centre increased ball circulation. Van Nistelrooy kept triying his best to score, but luck still eluded him. On one occasion, Roberto Carlos launched a missile right outside the box, but the goalkeeper managed to stop it. The rebound went to Emerson, who in turn passed it to Raúl. He shot but hit the post. The ball then reached Van Nistelrooy who couldn't score despite being right in front of the goal. After this, Raúl and Roberto Carlos got off the field, replaced by Baptista - recovered from the niggle in his left ankle - and Raúl Bravo. DC United still hadn't made any substitutions as of yet.

The last minutes of the game were slightly controversial. Cicinho drove Erpen absolutely mad, to the point of forcing him to tackle him inside the box. The referee said there was no penalty and allowed the game to carry on. Helguera stepped in for Ramos and DC's Balboa nearly scored, but the ball went slightly past the goal post - the same thing happened to Cicinho moments later.

Despite having drawn, the team gave a good image, displaying sacrifice and team work. On Saturday they will play their final US friendly in Salt Lake City.


MATCH REPORT:
1 – REAL MADRID: Casillas (Diego López 46´); Salgado, Woodgate (Cannavaro 46´), Sergio Ramos (Helguera 80´), Robeto Carlos (Raúl Bravo 65´); Emerson, De la Red (Pablo García 46´), Beckham (Cicinho 46´); Raúl (Baptista 65´), Cassano (Robinho 46´) and Van Nistelrooy (Balboa 75´).
1 – D.C. UNITED: Perkins; Namoff, Boswell, Erpen, Cros; Gomez (Dyachenko 82´), Olsen (Walker 76´), Carroll, Adu; Eskandarian (Simms 76´) and Moreno.
GOALS:
1-0, min. 21: Cassano turned around outside the box and shot a hard ball.
1-1, min. 25: Eskandarian finished off a beautiful team play.
REFEREE: Michael Kennedy. Booked De la Red (20), Carroll (30´), Cassano (37´) and Gross (64´).