Group C: Landon Donovan Goal Leads USA to beat Algeria, Make it to Final 16 of FIFA World Cup 2010
United States of America qualified for the final 16 of the World Cup in dramatic fashion. Landon Donovan became a national icon in a matter of seconds, as he scored probably the most important goal in USA’s football history. In the 1st minute of stoppage time, Donovan latched on to a rebound and tapped home the winner, which saw USA top their group and make it to the final 16 of the World Cup along with England. Had the score remained 0-0, Slovenia, despite losing against England, would have made it through, but the last minute winner was simply out of a fairytale for USA.
USA started their final group match knowing that still have a chance of making it to the round of 16 after 2 draws in 2 matches (against England and Slovenia). They were clearly robbed of a win against Slovenia, when their 3rd goal was disallowed, which replays showed was a clean one.
Algeria, though, was the team that started the first half on the front foot. Rafik Djebbour was through on goal, and from the edge he unleashed a fierce shot which bounced off against the bar.
In general, it was a slow start by the United States. They looked a bit short on ideas when it came to the killer ball, or even making the moves from the flanks, whereas Algeria were going all out for a win.
USA picked up the pace after a while, though. Clint Dempsey was pretty much at the centre of all the attacks from United States. And once again, USA were disallowed a goal when it looked legitimate: Dempsey tapped in the ball after a quick lay off, but he was judged off side, whereas he was clearly level with the defence line. USA coach Bob Bradley was seen shouting and punching his fist in the air in frustration.
Algeria started to play better after that; there were several silky moves, but once again no end product to show for it. Their midfield kept feeding the front men with good passes, but they just could not make most of it.
Dempsey once again caused problems for Algeria, when Donovan played in Clint Dempsey, but his shot was well saved by keeper Rais M’Bolhi.
Jozy Altidore then produced a miss which could have matched Yakubu’s howler the other day; with the keeper beaten, Donovan cut the ball back to Altidore, but he somehow spooned it over the cross bar.
Karim Ziani was next to take his chances at a goal, letting one fly from outside the USA area, but was comfortably wide.
The first half ended goalless, and both teams went in knowing one goal could be the difference between going home and going in to the round of last 16.
The second half started with bad news for USA, as they went on to the field with the knowledge that England were leading 1-0 against Slovenia. A win for them at that point had become imperative. Building on that, USA started in an aggressive manner, much better than the way they started the 1st half.
Jozy Altidore made a brilliant run down the left wing, before passing it infield to Clint Dempsey. The Fulham man’s luck just was not getting any better, though: his first shot hit the post but a rebound came in his path, only for him to slash it wide.
By that time USA had started to believe that maybe it really wasn't their day, and with continuous reminders from fans and the coach from the touchline that England were leading, they were under immense pressure.
Flash forward to stoppage time, when all seemed lost for USA. Just as the final whistle was blown in the England - Slovenia match at Port Elizabeth, there was a moment of inspiration for the American team.
Jozy Altidore fired in a low cross from the right and Algerian keeper Rais M’Bolhi parried the first shot, only to practically hand it to Landon Donovan who was steaming into the box, and who calmly slotted the ball in to send the whole of the United States into ecstasy. There were scenes of absolute frenzy as Donovan was embraced by almost every player in the squad, who came running from the dugout.
And that is how it ended. USA, through a late goal, made it to the final 16 of the World Cup, along with England from their group.
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