Donovan rescues US hopes
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
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United States 1-0 Algeria
It looked like both sides were going out as the match entered added time, but Landon Donovan's last-gasp effort sent Bob Bradley's team through.
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The United States qualified for the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup after an added-time Landon Donovan goal took them from the brink of elimination to the top of Group C.
Both sides were in the running for qualification, although Algeria knew only a win would do. However, it was the United States that created most of the chances. It did not look like it would be good enough with the clock running down, but Donovan pounced to put his side through.
Algeria were first to threaten, Rafik Djebbour leaping on Jay DeMerit's mis-hit and hitting the bar. Herculez Gomez then twice went close at the other end before Clint Dempsey had a goal disallowed in the 21st minute.
Dempsey almost broke the deadlock after being fed by Donovan and Jozy Altidore blazed over from close range. Dempsey hit the inside of the post in the 56th minute but, as chances came and went for both sides and with England winning against Slovenia, both teams were going out. It was left to Donovan to save his side, tapping in a loose ball following Altidore's teasing cross.