They left it until extra time (although they didn’t, really: Dempsey’s strike in 20th minute was not offsides!) but the US both wins their group and advances to the Round of 16… way to go USA!! They deserved the win and the group.
In spite of the disallowed goal and a great shot off the post in 57’ (and a handball by Algeria in their box in the 80th minutes… should have been a peno) Dempsey had a great game, mixing it up with the Algerians and providing opportunities for the team.
But in the end it was Landon Donovan – long-time fixture and titular head of the US squad – who scored the goal in dramatic fashion in the 91st minute.
And for once, Bob Bradley wasn’t overly conservative and made some good substitutions, bringing in Buddle and Feilhaber and Beasley near the end to generate some offense.
This bodes well for the next round, if we can unleash Dempsey and Altidore for some goals.
Fair play to Algeria for a good effort (although they were tired and fouling like mad towards the close, and their captain Yahia punched Dempsey in the face off of the play, the feckin’ wanker), but the better team won in the end.
(I liked this comment on one of the footy webs from a Brazilian:
Hello.
I'm a brazilian fan.
I am so proud of US Team. Fantastic win !!!!
I'm sure this is one of the most important goals in Soccer´s history.
This goal can help US Soccer to become the top of list in the US Sports in a few years.
17 milions watching the 2nd US game !!! How many this time ?
17 millions was watching NBA.
I think that only Kostadinov goal in 1993 against France in Parc de Princes was so emotional like this one by Donovan.
If a talented writer was to create a screenplay for a soccer movie he wouldn't create a better story.
Unbelievable !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I"m speechless !!
G-D Bless America.
Paulo
Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
)
Comments