U.S. Soccer Advances on Donovan Goal

Entering the Algeria-United States match, the United States needed a win to ensure that they would move on to the Round of 16. England had scored early against Slovenia, meaning the U.S. had to win against Algeria in order to advance. In the first half, the U.S. had many opportunities to score, including a questionable offsides call on a Clint Dempsey goal in the twenty-second minute. The United States continued to advance offensively, but were unable to put a ball into the back of the net. In the second half, the United States continued to attack, while Algeria seemed content to draw with the Americans. After a shot that nearly went in for an own goal, the momentum started to change in favor of the U.S. After ninety minutes of play without a goal, four minutes of stoppage time were added to the clock. This was the last hope for the Americans to advance. One minute into stoppage time, the prayers of the United States faithful were answered. Landon Donovan advanced the ball into an attacking position before passing to Jozy Altidore. Altidore then passed to Clint Dempsey. After a shot from Dempsey deflected off of the keeper, Donovan, who is considered the greatest player in recent history for the U.S., found the back of the net with his shot giving the United States a 1-0 lead. The goal was the latest that the United States has scored in a match. Following a massive celebration by the United States team, the Americans held on after a last-ditch attack by Algeria. With the dramatic win, the United States wins Group C and will face the runner-up in Group D in the Round of 16. If the United States can continue to attack like they have been able to in group play, they will be a very difficult team to beat. Sources Used: espn.com