Via:Thisis50.com
Donovan’s goal saw the Americans seal a 1-0 win over Algeria and leap frog both Slovenia and England and clinch top spot in Group C.
With England having secured qualification minutes earlier with a 1-0 victory over Slovenia, the Americans went into injury time staring at an unlikely exit with a point not enough to edge out Slovenia in second place.
But Donovan’s second goal of the tournament ensured that the USA would not be following the likes of France, South Africa and Greece on to an early flight home.
“I’m shocked. I’m so proud of our guys. Unbelievable,” Donovan said. Source: Telegraph.co.uk
“Algeria were pushing and we had to take the fight to them. Clint made a good run in the middle, the ball fell to me …. time kind of stopped. You can’t miss from there.”
“I’ve been on a long journey these last four years. We believe man. We’re alive!” an emotional Donovan said after the match.
The officials again proved to be a hindrance for the USA when, having already had Maurice Edu’s effort harshly disallowed against Slovenia, they had another goal ruled out.
Clint Dempsey was the man to be denied on this occasion as he was adjudged to have been in an offside position when he tapped in from close range.
“We aren’t done yet. We had a bad decision against Slovenia (when a late goal was ruled out), but we are Americans. We get on with it, we don’t complain,” said the goalscorer.
Having topped the group Bob Bradley’s team will now face the runners-up of Group D on Saturday at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
