Saturday, July 12, 2025
HomeSoccer2010 World CupDonovan advances U.S. in dramatic fashion

Donovan advances U.S. in dramatic fashion

Published on

The Americans can now breathe a sigh of relief as Landon Donovan’s last second goal helped the squad avoid elimination and advance to the round of 16.

Instead of enduring yet another disappointing World Cup performance, Donovan’s heroics made the U.S. leapfrog over England and win their group for the first time since 1930.

Sitting in third place at the 90-minute mark, the Yanks appeared to be on their last gasp but everything changed in the blink of an eye as Donovan led the side on one last attack.

Forward Jozy Altidore squared the ball into the six-yard box, where Algerian goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi’s save popped back out and Donovan who was trailing from behind buried the loose ball into the empty net.

Donovan fled to the corner flag in celebration as he was submerged in a sea of white shirts, and became the man who triumphed the U.S. to its biggest win in World Cup history.

Algeria, who has never progressed to the second round of the World Cup, had to watch as yet another opportunity was ripped from them and must now wait four more years for redemption.

The Desert Foxes started the game off brightly, as Rafik Djebbour smashed a volley in the sixth minute that hit the crossbar. Djebbour kept the pressure on with his offense but his shots could not seem to find the target.

USA continued to gain more rhythm and possession but déjà vu came upon them in the 21st minute, as Clint Dempsey’s goal was disallowed after a questionable called ruled him offside.

The poor officiating seemed to affect the Americans because despite their dominance in play over the Algerians, they could not seem to find the back of the net.

All hope seemed lost, until the captain Donovan’s goal in the 91st minute uplifted the Americans spirits from a possible extermination, as they now go on to face Ghana in the next round.

Learn about Centennial College's School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design

Latest articles

Ti-Cats rout Argos as QB Mitchell shines on historic night

Hamilton Tiger-Cats roared to a 51-38 win over the host Toronto Argonauts on Friday...

Ti-Cats hand Argos fourth loss in five games

Bo Levi Mitchell threw for five touchdowns and passed a big career milestone as...

What does it mean to be trans and Canadian?

Canada is widely regarded as one of the safest places in the world to be transgender, but trans people say they still remain vigilant.

Young Canadians have a different view now of driving, instructor says

For generations, getting a driver’s license was seen as a rite of passage, a symbol of independence and adulthood.

More like this

Spain become first time World Cup winners

Spain became the 2010 World Cup champions after defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final game at Soccer City on Sunday.

Toronto celebrates Spain’s World Cup win

A crowd of a few hundred watching the game at Plaza Flamingo restaurant at College and Bathurst Street poured out onto the roadway after Spain's goal in extra time against the Netherlands.

Flu ridden Germans top Uruguay for third place

It was not the weekend game that either team was hoping to play in...