USA defeats Algeria, wins Group C

In the span of a second from complete failure to incredible success, Donovan came up and made the biggest goal of his career. USA win their group for the first time since 1930.

Now to figure out who the Yanks play. That's not until later this afternoon, but if you're new to soccer, or seeing the USA actually do well in soccer, sit back, enjoy the fact that exams are over...school's out...and watch some World Cup soccer. Four matches a day from now until early next week. And there's no better time to watch some of it.

Well, lets cut to the chase on this game. The US looked a bit weak in the right back during the first half and almost conceded (yet another) early goal. Thankfully the crossbar came to the rescue, and it remained level at zero apiece, and remained that way at halftime.

Second half, the USA kept pushing and pushing...and pushing some more for that final goal to get them into the knockout stage. (During this time the English were up 1-0 against Slovenia...and won it 1-0). That being said, the USA had to of won the game, if they wanted any chance to go through, and it was a do or die situation. USA scores...not only do they go into the knockout stages, but they win the group on goal differential.

Finally as stoppage time ticked, our beloved idol Landon Donovan, who plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer, throttled down the field and blasted a follow up after a mess in the back line, below is the video (that will be removed from YouTube soon enough):

Video: Donovan's last minute goal over Algeria

And that alone did it. The USA accomplished victory, Algeria's captain got ejected...and (part) of the nation rejoices in harmony, while the soccer fanatics like myself cheer like maniacs on the outside, but deep down inside...are relieved. I know I am. Thank God we advanced, and it's insane that we won the group.

So today, they celebrate, tomorrow...back to work. Against whom? We'll find that out in about three hours. Keep it here for live blogging of the Germany vs. Ghana game this afternoon. There might be a live feed for Serbia vs. Australia too.

Additional Notes

• The British prevailed and will go to the knockout round...in second place at least. Though England earned a 1-0 victory over Slovenia, and were equal with the USA on goal differential, the United States scored more goals in this round than did England. Jermaine Defoe socres for the Three Lions in 22nd minute to give England the 1-0 win.
• Robbie Findley, who plays for Real Salt Lake in MLS, served suspension today because of an accumulation of yellow cards in the matches against England and Slovenia. We missed his speed today.
• DaMarcus Beasley, a U.S. international who plays for the Scottish giants Rangers made his World Cup debut coming on for Jonathan Bornstien. Bornstien who plays for CD Chivas USA of MLS, earned the starting posistion over Oguchi Onyewu, who plays on Italy's iconic AC Milan.
• Among the nations that qualified for the knockout rounds: Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina, South Korea, United States, England, Netherlands and Brazil
• Among the nations that are eliminated: South Africa, France, Greece, Nigeria, Slovenia, Algeria, Cameroon and North Korea.

This blog post is part of the Valor Dictus' World Cup Notebook blog series.