U.S. tops Algeria, 1-0, to advance to knockout round of 2010 World Cup

PRETORIA, South Africa -- Landon Donovan scored in injury time as the United States advanced to the round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Algeria in a stunning climax to Group C play today at the World Cup.


After coming within minutes of elimination, Donovan's late winner lifted the United States to first place in Group C with five points, topping a World Cup group for the first time since 1930.

Now the Americans will play Ghana at Rustenburg on Saturday at 2 p.m.

England also progressed with five points but in second place, on the basis of goals scored, after its 1-0 win over Slovenia at Port Elizabeth.

Donovan slotted in the rebound after Algeria goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi had stopped Clint Dempsey's shot from close range in the first minute of injury time. It was his fourth World Cup goal, equaling Bert Patenaude's U.S. record.

"Hands down the biggest moment in my career," Donovan said of the goal.

"I'm shocked. I'm so proud of our guys. Unbelievable," he said. "Clint made a good run in the middle, the ball
fell to me ... time kind of stopped. You can't miss from there."

Both teams had chances but failed to score during regulation time in the free-flowing match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. A 0-0 result would have eliminated both teams, as England had just completed its win over Slovenia, which had four points going into the last match.

(Source : www.nj.com)