USA Beats Algeria Late to Advance

June 23rd, 2010

Landon Donovan was money again as his goal during injury time advances the United States to round 16 at the World Cup. With London shutting out Slovenia 1-0, USA was forced to win in order to advance. Landon Donovan’s late heroics and 1-0 win over Algeria puts USA at the top of their group at the World Cup for the first time since 1930, leading Group C with five points. England also moves on with five points, but with a fewer goal differential after their 1-0 win over Slovenia at Port Elizabeth.

Donovan slotted in the rebound after Algeria goalkeeper Rais Bolhi had stopped Clint Dempsey’s shot from close range in the first minute of injury time. It was his fourth World Cup goal, equaling Bert Patenaude’s U.S. record.

“I’m shocked. I’m so proud of our guys. Unbelievable,” Donovan said. “Clint made a good run in the middle, the ball fell to me …. time kind of stopped. You can’t miss from there.”

Both teams had chances but failed to score during regulation time. Dempsey’s goal was disallowed for offside in the first half and hit the post in the second. TV replays appeared to show Dempsey to be onside when he tapped into the net from close range after being fed by Herculez Gomez in the 21st minute. He hit the post in the 57th and missed the rebound. Even with all the frustration, the American’s kept their focus and kept pushing.

As the final whistle sounded, the U.S. bench raced onto the field and piled on top of the players on the far sideline.Donovan said he’d never despaired, even when the Americans hadn’t been able to convert chances in regulation time.

“We believe man. We’re alive!” said Donovan, in tears at times after the match.

Coach Bob Bradley said his U.S. team had to take risks, pushing hard for a goal to secure the win and making for a wide open game.

“We’re proud,” he said. “We finished first in our group. Five points. Didn’t lose a match. So we’re ready.

Algeria, which has never advanced beyond the group phase in a World Cup, finished with one point from its draw with England. The Americans held England to a 1-1 draw and staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to level at 2-2 with Slovenia in its previous matches.