"I can't say enough of the performance the guys put together on the field tonight," Ching said. "It was like night and day from the first game to this game."

After a 3-0 loss to the Czech Republic on Monday, the U.S. players were all but given up for dead.

The United States is still last in Group E with one point, but a win against Ghana on Thursday (worth thre points), coupled with an Italian victory against the Czechs would put the Americans in the round of 16.

"We told our team this group would go down to the last game," U.S. coach Bruce Arena said, "and our challenge is to get four points and see where that takes us."

The United States got some good news before taking the field yesterday as Ghana beat the Czech Republic 2-0.

"That was a positive going into the game," said U.S. midfielder Clint Dempsey. "Everybody felt like they had a little bit of hope and we used that to our advantage and we were able to get a result. Ideally we would have liked to get a win, but a tie still keeps us alive, so we're just keeping our fingers crossed that the Italians beat the Czechs and we can take care of business against Ghana."

During a six-minute span of the first half, the United States went from being all but done in this World Cup to being in position where it might control its own destiny.

In the 22nd minute, Italy's Alberto Gilardino headed home an Andrea Pirlo's cross from 24 yards out, and it appeared as though the United States might be in for another long night.

But five minutes later, Bobby Convey's cross from the right sideline was put in the goal by Italy's Cristian Zaccardo, who was attempting to clear the ball.

And before the goal was even announced, Italy's Daniele DeRossi landed an elbow just below Brian McBride's left eye. DeRossi received a red card and was sent off, and McBride left briefly with blood trickling down his face. He needed three stitches before returning.

Ching warmed up briefly.

"I was ready and excited, but I guess I wasn't needed," Ching said. "Brian was OK. Maybe the next game I'll get a chance."

The United States had a man-advantage but didn't last long. Just before the break, Pablo Mastroeni was shown a red card after for a tackle on Pirlo. That evened the sides.

One minute into the second half, USA's Eddie Pope took down Gilardino and received his second yellow card, which resulted in a red card.

That gave Italy a 10-on-9 advantage.

Although down a man for most of the second half, the United States continued to press the attack and nearly took the lead. DaMarcus Beasley saw a goal disallowed in the 65th minute when McBride was ruled offside as he screened the Italian goalkeeper.

"I don't know if anyone was behind me, but I don't disagree with it," McBride said. "I had to move my foot out of the way. There were a few other things I might disagree with."

That would be the two red cards, which were part of a card-filled game. There were four yellows and the teams combined for 37 fouls.

The nine-man U.S. team tired near the end and goalkeeper Kasey Keller came up with two huge saves on Alessandro Del Piero during the game's final 17 minutes, preserving the tie.

A loss to Italy would have all but eliminated the United States from advancing, but the tie meant anything is possible.

Now it's a numbers game.

"You have to have four points, three points won't get you out of the group," Arena said. "You have to have four and obviously five is certainly the magic number, but four is going to keep us alive."

And maybe Ching will get his chance.