World Cup: Donovan’s Stoppage Time Strike Sends USA To Round Of 16

June 23, 2010

By Sean Donahue

When former New England Revolution Midfielder Clint Dempsey’s goal was ruled offside in the 20th minute, it looked like the U.S. might be sent on their way home thanks to another questionable decision by a referee. The U.S., however, continued pushing forward, creating chance after chance, until finally Landon Donovan found the back of the net in second half stoppage time to give the U.S. the victory they needed over Algeria to advance out of World Cup Group C.

Donovan’s goal came in the 91st minute just when it seemed the U.S. was out of time to find a winner. After Tim Howard made a save, the U.S. goalkeeper threw the ball all the way past midfield, finding Donovan in stride. The U.S. all-time leading scorer sprinted forward and waited until he drew a defender before finding Jozy Altidore with a pass to his right. Altidore sent a low cross in front of goal to Dempsey, who got a touch, but saw his effort denied by Algerian ‘keeper Rais M’Bohli.

Donovan, however, had continued his run and was there to put in the rebound and give the U.S. the 1-0 lead that would hold for the victory. The goal was the 44th of Donovan’s international career, extending his U.S. record. It was also his second of the World Cup, making him the first U.S. player to score multiple goals in two different World Cups, having scored two in 2002 as well.

After a shaky start saw Algeria denied only by the crossbar from taking the lead six minutes in, the U.S. looked to have gone ahead in the 20th minute. Forward Herculez Gomez, getting the start in place of the suspended Robbie Findely, saw his shot denied, but collected his own rebound and crossed it to Dempsey, who slotted it into the empty net.

Dempsey’s goal was ruled offside, but on replays the decision appeared incorrect.

Among several opportunities in the second half, Dempsey had what was probably the U.S.’ best chance in the 57th minute. The Revs 2004 first round draft pick got the ball free of the defense after some nice work from Jozy Altidore. Dempsey, one-on-one with an onrushing M’Bohli, saw his effort denied by the right post. Dempsey was able to get to the rebound, but he couldn’t control it and saw his effort go wide of the open net.

Dempsey and the U.S. continued to be denied several more times before Donovan’s late winner ensured the U.S. a spot in the final 16 and first place in their group. The U.S. will face Ghana in the round of 16 on Saturday at 2:30PM ET.

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