Late, late Donovan show snatches Group C top spot for USA
Published:The USA burst into the second round with a last-ditch 1-0 win against Algeria.
Landon Donovan’s injury time winner clinched the win for the USA, who were seconds away from group stage elimination after squandering a host of chances.
The victory means that the USA finish top of Group C, with the Group B runners-up to face in the round of 16. England join them in the knockout stages as the group’s second-placed team.
Things could have been very different for the USA. Clint Dempsey hit the post, Michael Bradley had a free-kick saved and Jozy Altidore wasted a great opportunity by smashing a shot over from six yards.
In a lively first half, Algeria’s Rafik Djebbour rattled a shot against the crossbar, while Dempsey had a shot saved and saw a goal disallowed for offside.
Donovan’s goal came as a huge relief to the USA, who can now look forward to a last 16 tie with one of Group D’s teams, Germany, Ghana, Serbia or Australia.
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