It was an emotional roller coaster ride for USA throughout the first round of the 19th FIFA World Cup. But that ride ended on a high Wednesday, June 23, as the Americans edged Algeria, 1-0, in the final match of Group C.
USA will now advance to the round of 16 as the winner of Group C, marking the first group win for the Americans since 1930.
“I’m shocked. I’m so proud of our guys. Unbelievable,” said USA’s Landon Donovan, who scored the winning goal in the 91st minute of play. “Clint made a good run in the middle, the ball fell to me …. time kind of stopped. You can’t miss from there.”
The Americans had another “can’t miss” goal that they scored early during regulation time, but the goal was disallowed as officials mistakenly called an offside violation on Dempsey. TV replays later showed that Dempsey was onside and the goal should have counted, marking the second consecutive game that USA had a goal disallowed due to poor officiating.
But the Americans didn’t fold under pressure. Instead, they stay focused until the mission was complete. Now they’re ready for their next mission, which will begin with a match against the Runner-up of Group D scheduled this weekend.?”We’re not done yet,” said Donovan, with tears of joy running down his face. “We believe, man. We’re alive, baby.”