The moment of truth came for the US as they had to get a win to move on in the tournament for sure. England, meanwhile, needed a win to move on as well. In England's game vs Slovenia, Jermain Defoe scored a goal off a cross in the 23' to give the English the lead. England would managed to hold on for the win 1-0 and move on to the Round of 16. It would've been a huge disappointment if they didn't advance, but England barely gets through the group stage with their only win.
Meanwhile, the US played against Algeria in what must be truly called the biggest game in US Football history. The US survived the early pressure from Algeria and managed to make some good chances on goal. The supposed first goal for the US was called offsides in what can only be described as a second bad call against the US in this tournament. The US kept their heads up, though, and keep pressing the attack waiting for their chance. They had several other opportunities to go ahead: headers, bad kicks up close, and even tricks with the free kicks.
Then, when all hope seemed lost, Algeria shoots one against Howard in the 91'. Howard stops it, grabs it, and throws it out for a quick run. The US runs it up with Jozy Altidore shooting it into the middle with some help from Dempsey to have it go off the keeper. Donovan gets the rebound and chips it into the net. GOAL!!! A miracle moment for US Soccer on the breakaway being capped off from Landon Donovan. The US win, 1-0, and advance to the Round of 16 as Group C Winners.
After everything that the US had gone through what with England, the comeback with Slovenia, and the bad officiating, they advance as the group leaders. The US live up to their expectations in this World Cup as they will face Group D's runner up in the Round of 16 while England will face Group D's Winner.
P.S. HAPPY 300TH POSTING!!!
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