Clint Dempsey scored a vital equaliser in Rustenburg as the United States held Fabio Capello's England side to a one-all draw.
Robert Green failed to deal with the Fulham attacker's speculative effort from 25 yards, allowing the ball to trickle over the line.
"These balls move so much if you just hit them on goal you'll have a chance," Dempsey said after the game. "It's one of those goals you always say 'Why can't I get one like that?' and I'm happy to have scored in both World Cups I've participated in.
"I thought we responded well. I thought we were playing well, they were sitting back and we were creating chances. Second-half was frustrating because we didn't keep the ball enough, I think we need to manage the game a little bit better but to go one goal down to England and fight our way back into the game and end with the draw, we'll be happy with that.
"The first-half was good, and when we do keep the ball, we create chances. We just need to be confident and be calm on the ball, and we've shown that when we do that good things happen."
Kagisho Dikgacoi's South Africa made a solid start to their World Cup campaign, recording a one-all draw with Mexico.
John Pantsil tasted victory as Ghana grabbed all three points against Serbia thanks to an 85th-minute penalty from Asamoah Gyan.
Unfortunately both Mark Schwarzer and Dickson Etuhu were on the losing side as Nigeria and Australia had tough opening games against Argentina and Germany respectively.
Gabriel Heinze's sixth minute header was enough to hand Argentina victory over Nigeria whilst Australia suffered a four-nil reverse at the hands of an impressive Germany side.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/WorldCupRound-Up1stweekend.aspx#ixzz0qqme29Sc