May 29, 2013 11:11 PM EDT
United States Fall to Belgium as Lampard Goal Helps England Hold Ireland; Podolski Grabs Brace to Help Germany Past Ecuador

Defensive lapses led to the United States suffer a 4-2 loss to Belgium, while Frank Lampard came to England's rescue to earn his country a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland.

Ecuador had no answer to Germany in the first 25 minutes, with the second-string side, devoid of players from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, completing a 4-2 win over the South Americans in Boca Raton.

In Cleveland, some shambolic defending from the U.S. handed Belgium a big win with Christian Benteke, the striker who scored 19 league goals for Aston Villa this season in the English Premier League, grabbing a brace with Everton duo Kevin Mirallas and Marouane Fellaini netting the other two goals.

Geoff Cameron initially equalized for the U.S. in the first half, with Clint Dempsey, who assisted in the opening goal, scoring Jurgen Klinsmann's other consolation goal from the penalty spot late in the game.

At Wembley, England were led out by Ashley Cole, who was given the honor of captaining the side to commemorate his 100th cap won in the friendly against Brazil earlier this year.

"It probably ranks as number one in my career," Cole said of captaining England. "I never expected to get 100 caps and I'd like to thank the fans for the reception I got, I didn't expect it but it was a very proud moment and one I'll never forget.

"I wanted to be captain. I don't really like speaking to the media but it was a dream come true and I've lived a little boy's dream tonight."

The home side, however, were far from impressive against the Irish, in a game which thankfully went on without any crowd trouble.

Shane Long, the West Brom striker, opened the scoring for Giovanni Trapattoni's men in the 13th minute, heading home off a cross from Seamus Coleman.

The lead, though, lasted only ten minutes with Lampard finding himself in the right place at the right time to flick home Daniel Sturridge's cross from the left. Sturridge was stretchered off on the half-hour mark, and will miss the trip to Brazil.

England tried their best to find the elusive winner, but some good goalkeeping from David Forde ensure the Irish would leave Wembley with a draw.

In Florida, Germany finished the game off within 24 minutes, scoring four goals courtesy a brace each from Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski and Lars Bender of Bayer Leverkusen.

Antonio Valencia and Walter Ayovi reduced the deficit for Ecuador, but Germany withstood the pressure to take a 4-2 win ahead of their friendly against the United States Sunday.

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