USA and Algeria: What went wrong?
The US of A started their final match knowing that they still had a chance of getting through to the round of 16, after a disappointing 2 draws in 2 matches. they were clearly robbed of a win against Slovenia when their 3rd goal was disallowed, which replays showed was a clean winner.
Algeria unlike the America's were the team to started the first half on their front foot. Rafik Djebbour was through on the goal and from an edge he unleashed a fierce shot which bounced off the bar.
In general it was a slow start by the boys from the United States. They looked a bit short on ideas when it came to the killer ball, and even when making moves from the flanks. Initially it see med as though Algeria were going to be winning the game but USA picked up the pace after a while, Clint Dempsey was pretty much at the centre of every one of the attacks from the United States.
Once again USA were disallowed a legitimate looking goal as Dempsey tapped in the ball after a quick lay off, but he was judged off side, when he was clearly level with the defense line. USA coach Bob Bradley was seen shouting and punching his fist in the air in frustration. The Algerians game began to pick after the incident once they either felt the pressure swim over them or they felt an impulse of motivation. Sadly though, their midfield's kept feeding the front men with good passes, but they just could not make the most of it.
Dempsey was once again causing problems for Algeria, as we witnessed Donovan play a great shot towards Clint Dempsey, but it was was well saved by Rais M Bolhi. Jozy Altidore then produced a miss which could have matched Yakubu’s howler the other day. With the keeper beaten, Donnovan cut the ball back to Altidore but he somehow spooned it over the cross bar.
Karim Ziani was next to take his chances, letting one fly from outside the USA area, but was comfortably wide. The first half ended goal-less and both teams went in knowing one goal could be the difference between going home, and going in to last 16.
The second half was quite dull too, but near the end of the game Donnavon scored a spectacular goal and took the Americans on to the next stage along with England, leaving the Algerians moping. USA probably didn’t deserve the victory they got, because Algeria performed quite well during the game and should have been the ones to go through. It was just a bad day for them, as they missed many easy opportunities. What went wrong? Were they not well prepared? The USA team has not been exceptional during this tournament and it was sad that faith led to the Algerians heading home too early in this tournament.
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