FIFA World Cup 2010: Half time report - USA vs. Alergia
The USA play Algeria in a match that will decide the outcome of Group C. England and Slovenia kick off at the same time in what will be a very exciting evening here in South Africa. The USA team are favourites to win the match and they started off the match in a very positive fashion with Landon Donovan pulling the strings at the heart of the team.
With former US president Bill Clinton watching on in the crowd, the USA had a goal denied on the 20th minute when Clint Dempsey put the ball in the back of the net but the assistant referee had his flag up for offside. The replays showed that the decision was perhaps a little harsh since the attacking player is supposed to get the benefit of the doubt and there appeared to be no daylight between Dempsey and the Algerian defender.
USA coach Bob Bradley looked on as his team continued to pressurize the Alergerians, who were trying to catch the USA on the break but they struggled with the final ball and the attacks up until the half hour mark were fruitless. The game was played from end to end with both teams knowing that only a win would do.
Clint dempsey got another chance to put the states ahead but his shot was pushed aside by the Algerian goalkeeper, Mbouli, was in inspired form and continued to keep the Algerians in the game. In the 36th minute, Jozy Altidore had the perfect opportunity to finally break the deadlock but he missed from less than 10 yards out. Awful finishing by the USA striker, he should have scored there.
In the last five minutes of the half there were some shots from outside the penalty area but neither teams managed to really trouble either goalkeeper. The game satyed at nil nil at half time and with England leading in the other game, both these teams will be out of the world cup if the score stays the same at full time. USA, in particular, will be looking to make more of their chances in the next half.
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