USA's Late Goal Lifts Them In World Cup

By Justin Worsley

The entire game, the United States was knocking on Algeria's door.

In the 90th minute, they finally kicked it down.

Landon Donovan's shot off a rebound not only gave the United States their first lead in the World Cup, but it also broke a deadlock 0-0 tie that would have doomed the for America.

USA, who also tied England 1-1 and had a questionable goal called back from them against Slovenia needed to win in order to advance past group play. England also posted a 1-0 victory in Slovenia to advance.

USA was the more aggressive team throughout the match, outshooting Algeria 20-19 including seven shots on goal to Algeria's three, but Algerian goalie Rais M'Bohli stopped everything in sight, leaving Americans on the edge of their seats.

For the second consecutive game, the United States had a goal removed from them after the referee called a Clint Dempsey goal offsides. Both retracted goals were debatable, causing many spectators to question the integrity of the referees of the World Cup.

Algerian defenseman Antar Yahia received a red card in the aftermath of Donovan's goal. Algeria will not advance after going 0-2-1 in World Cup play.

The United States will pay in the round of 16 for the first time since 2002, when they made it to the quarterfinals.