World Cup 2010: Landon Donovan's last-ditch strike puts US top of group

United States vs. Algeria

World Cup - 2 years ago

World Cup 2010: Landon Donovan's last-ditch strike puts US top of group

Landon Donovan's goal took USA team into second round for only the third time in their history

by Amy Fallon 2 years ago

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A dramatic extra-time goal by Landon Donovan, pictured the moment after he scored against Algeria, lifted the USA from the brink of elimination to the top of the table in today's other Group C match.

Donovan's goal, the only one of the match, took the USA into the second round of the World Cup for only the third time in their history – and pushed England into second place in the group on goals scored.

"I'm just shocked and so proud of our guys. Unbelievable," said the ecstatic midfielder, who broke down in tears at the post-match press conference.

"Sometimes you have games like this when you have a lot of chances and they don't go in. The only thing you can do is to keep going."

Coach Bob Bradley singled out the fans in his praise. "It is not often you see them lining up on the road before the game, all dressed up and chanting and banging on the bus," he said. "That was a really special moment for the team."

One fan carried a lifesize cardboard cutout of Barack Obama dressed in a Bafana Bafana – South African team – shirt.

Former US president Bill Clinton, among the 35,827 spectators at the stadium, was seen anxiously biting his thumb during the match.

The White House joined in the celebrations, tweeting "USA USA USA #teamusa #worldcup USA USA USA" immediately after the result.

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Popte

(Everton)

2 years ago

Yeah, but if they concede early goals against a good team, there won't be a way back this time

PaoloG

(Sevilla)

2 years ago

Soccer USA has arrived, and it's knocking on the door... These guys are for real - just ask the Spanish team whom they knocked out at the Confederations' Cup...