Match Timeline

United States
Algeria
  • KO
  • HT
  • 45
  • 64
  • 65
  • 69
  • 80
  • 85
  • 90+1
  • FT

Match Commentary

90'
Read our full report of today's dramatic events <A HREF= http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264048&cc=5739&ver=global target=new>here</A>. Remember to stick with Soccernet for all the best post-match reaction.
90'
USA fan Jason Potterton in the Soccernet office: <i>It is so fitting that it was Donovan who scored the goal. He has done so much for the team and helped get them where they are today.</i>
90'
What a dramatic conclusion, and that means USA will face the side that finishes second in Group D. That is currently Germany, but they are playing Ghana and you would expect them to win that. USA will probably face Ghana or Serbia in the next round.
90'
Wonderful stuff from USA, and you cannot say they didn't deserve it. Dempsey was denied a good goal and then hit the post, and a succession of chances went missing before Donovan tapped in. What a moment.
90'
<b>FULL TIME!</b> Landon Donovan the hero as USA top Group C!
90'
Yahia reacted furiously to that decision and was in danger of going well over the top as he gesticulated at the referee. 90 seconds left.
90'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/red_card.jpg" height="15"> Yahia is shown a second yellow card.
90'
Donovan's strike sparked scenes of wild jubilation amongst the USA players and staff, and why not? What a moment for the team.
90'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL!</b> It is Landon Donovan in injury time! England have won 1-0 so that means USA will top the group! M'Bohli could not gather Altidore's cross and Donovan followed up with a composed finish.
90'
We will have four minutes of added time!
90'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Beasley chests the ball down in the box but is penalised for handball.
89'
Buddle collects the ball in the box and controls, but he fails to find Altidore with his lay-off. Disappointing.
89'
USA have to go for it now. They absolutely have to.
88'
Hassan Yebda pulls the ball down just outside the box but hits the ball on the half-volley and sees his effort fly off target.
86'
Ghezzal appears to be tripped on the edge of the box but the referee is unmoved.
86'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Matmour is replaced by Rafik Saifi.
84'
Six minutes left plus injury time, and USA may well regret missing a succession of chances. A Slovenia goal against England will also ensure they go through though.
84'
From the free kick, Dempsey puts his laces through the ball and his effort soars high over the bar.
82'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> A cynical tackle from Belhadj as he brings down Altidore in full flight. Nasty, but necessary as USA were breaking with intent.
81'
Clint Dempsey needs treatment after taking a hand to the face.
81'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> DaMarcus Beasley comes on for Bornstein as Bradley goes attacking.
80'
Yahia needs treatment for cramp but the referee tells him to get on with it.
79'
A thunderous effort from Michael Bradley! M'Bohli just managed to get his hands behind the shot and gives away a corner. USA can't make Algeria pay from the set-piece, once again.
78'
Time is ticking away for USA, although it's not quite panic stations just yet. Donovan miscontrols in the box.
76'
Now the ball comes in from Cherundolo, who has delviered a succession of crosses in this game. The ball is too high for Buddle though.
76'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Anther Yahia goes into the book for a clumsy challenge on Altidore.
75'
Ghezzal breaks clear at the other end but his effort causes Howard no problems.
74'
Donovan dinks in a free kick from the left but Bradley gets underneath the ball and sends his header over the bar. More frustration for USA.
73'
Continuing his policy from the first half, Yebda lashes a shot over the bar from 25 yards. Howard has been untroubled by those all day long. A new approach is required.
72'
<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0623/soc_g_donovan2_288.jpg"> <br>Landon Donovan controls the ball.
72'
Belhadj is unhappy with a firm challenge from Buddle and attempts to kick out at the left back. That was unwise, but it goes unpunished.
70'
A cross from Jozy Altidore is deflected by Bougherra and past the far post for a corner. M'Bohli punches clear frm Donovan's delivery.
70'
Just 20 minutes remaining for USA and Algeria to salvage their World Cup hopes. It is USA who have looked more likely to do so in the second half.
69'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ziani is replaced by Guedioura
69'
Karim Ziani goes up the other end and rifles a shot wide.
68'
USA see another chance go untaken as Altidore and Buddle fail to bundle the ball home from a cross.
66'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> The lively Djebbour is replaced by Abdelkader Ghezzal.
66'
From the corner Dempsey turns the ball on and Buddle is unable to convert at the far post.
65'
USA enjoy another superb chance as Feilhaber bursts into the box and sees his cross fortunately turned wide by the 'keeper.
65'
That means Feilhaber will drop into centre midfield, with Dempsey heading out wide once more.
64'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Edson Buddle replaces Maurice Edu. A forward for a midfielder.
63'
Carlos Bocanegra produces a vital clearance in the centre of the box as Algeria break down the left again.
63'
It is worth repeating: If USA win this game they will go through. With England beating Slovenia, Algeria will go through if they win 2-0.
61'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Jozy Altidore rightly receives a booking for a petulant trip on Halliche.
61'
Nerves look to be filtering through to the USA supporters in the stadium, and no wonder. They have had the chances to win this game.
60'
We now have half an hour remaining. Both sides need a goal. Hopefully this will become a stupidly open game any time now.
59'
Kadir chips the ball into the box and Yebda controls with his chest before producing an overhead kick that sneaks wide.
58'
Having missed a succession of chances, not to mention that disallowed goal, USA should really be in front in this game. Will they rue their inability to beat M'Bohli?
57'
<b>USA hit the post!</b> Michael Bradley starts a counter-attack when feeding Altidore. Dempsey oollects possession and strikes the far post with a curling effort. When the rebound drops into his path, he lacks composure and thumps it off target. Heartbreaking.
55'
It appears as though the fear of conceding is overriding the necessity to score at present, which is bad news for the game.
53'
Altidore flicks the ball over his head and away from Bougherra, it was Kanu-esque, but cannot retain control of the ball.
52'
Belhafj really is injecting real energy into the Algeria side every time he gets the ball. As they work the ball across the pitch, Feilhaber concedes a corner. Bougherra heads the delivery back across goal but Yebda turns it wide.
50'
Halliche gets his head to the set-piece but sends the ball wide. There was plenty of shirt-pulling in the box there, and USA will have to be careful.
50'
Karim Ziani wins a corner off Jonathan Bornstein and Belhadj will send it in.
48'
USA try a training-ground routine from a free kick 35 yards from goal but when the ball floats into the box, M'Bohli is off his line to claim it.
47'
Karim Matmour is given offside as he attempts to finish at the far post but he miscontrolled the ball in any case.
46'
USA immediately look to apply pressure but Madjid Bougherra heads a Cherundolo cross clear.
46'
<b>KICK OFF!</b>
45'
<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0623/soc_a_dempseyc2_288.jpg"> <br>Clint Dempsey complains to the referee.
45'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Benny Feilhaber comes on for Gomez so Dempsey will be pushing into an advanced position.
45'
The England game has already restarted, which means we are out of sync a bit. That could prove controversial in the final minutes!
45'
Right then, both countries have 45 minutes to salvage their World Cup campaigns. Let's see how things pan out...
45'
USA fan Jason Potterton in the Soccernet office: <i>USA have been screwed by that offside decision, but they haven't taken the chances that have come their way either.</i>
45'
USA have been the better side but will be concerned by their inability to have gained the lead. Algeria are yet to score at the World Cup, it really would be remarkable if they qualified now.
45'
<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0623/soc_a_gomez_donovan_288.jpg"> <br>Donovan and Gomez complain to the linesman.
45'
As things stand, England are topping the group with Slovenia taking second spot. However, if USA can sneak a win then they will progress, while Algeria would have to win by a couple of goals. Still all to play for.
45'
Bob Bradley will no doubt look back on Jozy Altidore's miss, as well as the harsh decision to rule out Clint Dempsey's goal due to offside. USA might be developing a personality complex after they saw Edu's effort chalked off against Slovenia as well.
45'
<b>HALF-TIME</b>. Algeria hit the bar early on through Djebbour, but USA have had the better chances since.
45'
Nadir Belhadj delivers one of those tasty crosses he is famous for, but Djebbour cannot quite get on the end of it.
45'
We will have one minute of added time.
45'
Bornstein delivers another cross from the left wing but Michael Bradley, scorer of that crucial goal against Slovenia, cannot direct his header on target.
45'
Yebda, who has been booked, is penalised for tripping Donovan. USA work the ball wide to Bornstein who makes a mess of his cross.
43'
At the other end, Howard sees a long-range effort from Karim Ziani wide of the post. Algeria look happy to pull the trigger at any given opportunity, but are lacking the accuracy for a shoot-on-sight policy to bear fruit at present.
43'
Cherundolo sqaures for Michael Bradley, who in turn feeds Dempsey. He slips when shooting from 20 yards and M'Bohli gathers. Come on Clint, you won't score like that without Rob Green in goal.
42'
<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0623/soc_a_dempseyc_288.jpg"> <br>Clint Dempsey's disallowed goal.
41'
Cherundolo is very keen to get forward in this first half and after he receives the ball from a cute pass from Donovan, the defender sees his cross claimed by M'Bohli.
40'
There have been plenty of chances in this game but we are still goalless. Both teams are lacking that bit of quality in the final third.
38'
Karim Matmour takes aim from 25 yards and Howard is forced to tip his vicious shot wide. USA should have closed him down quicker than that though.
37'
Cherundolo and Michael Bradley combine to play in Donovan and when his shot bounces up off M'Bohli, Donovan and Altidore both look to volley the loose ball, with the latter sending the ball soaring into the stands. That was a glorious chance.
35'
Lovely stuff from USA! Donovan plays in Dempsey with a fine angled pass but he fails to get a clean shot away under pressure.
35'
<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0623/soc_a_yebda_288.jpg"> <br>Hassen Yebda battles for the ball.
34'
The referee diverts the ball into the path of Gomez but he cannot find Altidore with a through-ball.
33'
Cherundolo floats in another cross to the back post and Gomez and Dempsey only succeed in getting in each other's way as the Fulham man attempts to head at goal. The ball rolls to Donovan who blasts his shot off target.
33'
ESPN Stats & Info:<i> USA have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 18 first round matches, since their 1-0 win over England back in 1950.</i>
32'
On the opposite flank, Yebda produces a cross that is headed clear by Bocanegra.
31'
Algeria look the more comfortable in possession at the moment and are looking to utlise Belhadj and Ziani down the left as much as possible.
30'
Karim Matmour attempts another shot from range but his effort is deflected over for a corner. Algeria waste the set-piece.
29'
Djebbour attempts to take Ziani's cross on his instep but lacks control and the ball escapes him.
28'
Maurice Edu attempts to cut open the Algeria defence and slide in Altidore, but his pass has too much on it for the striker who spent last season on loan at Hull.
28'
<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0623/soc_g_donovanl_288.jpg"> <br>Landon Donovan wins a header.
27'
Kadir treads on the back of Dempsey's heel but though he is given a talking to by the referee, he escapes a yellow card.
26'
Algeria are happy to play the ball around at the back and USA are not pushing up and pressuring them. Both teams need the win at the moment.
25'
Belhadj whips in a cross from the left and Djebbour, never far from the action, cannot get his header on target.
23'
Replays show again that Dempsey was level with Bougherra. USA should be 1-0 in front. Instead they are heading out at present. That has to hurt.
22'
<b>England score through Jermain Defoe. That means that as things stand, USA are heading out. They have to score now.</b>
22'
Oh dear, oh dear. That didn't look offside and after the disallowed goal against Slovenia, USA will feel mightily aggrieved at another decision going against them.
21'
<b>USA goal disallowed!</b> It was chaos in the Algeria box. Bradley was denied by a fine tackle from Yahia and the ball popped to Gomez, who saw his shot blocked. When Gomez played the ball back into the box Dempsey was at the back post and converted, only to see the flag raised.
20'
<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0623/soc_g_bradleyb_288.jpg"> <br>Bob Bradley sings the national anthem.
19'
Karim Ziani floats a free kick into the box but Howard is unchallenged as he catches. The delivery in this game has been poor so far.
17'
Now it is Donovan's turn to fire off target as he lifts his shot over the bar from just outside the box.
16'
Cherundolo swings a deep cross into the box and Gomez, who did not appear in the USA qualifying campaign, atttempts an acrobatic volley that he fails to get on target.
16'
Former USA president Bill Clinton is spotted in the stands with FIFA supremo Sepp Blatter. Presumably Clinton is giving his pal some tips if he ever gets into any, ahem, embarrassing situations.
16'
Karim Ziani indluges in a hit and hope from around 25 yards and that is a waste.
15'
The competition between Algeria left-back Nadir Belhadj and USA forward Landon Donovan is a fascinating one. Belhadj gets the better of Donovan on this occasion though.
13'
Yebda, immediately identifiable with his crop of bleached blond hair, attempts to test Howard from 30 yards but sees his shot dribble wide.
12'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> The corner is cleared and as USA try to break, Hassan Yebda chops down Jozy Altidore and is booked. He will miss the next game if Algeria qualify.
12'
Karim Matmour receives the ball from Nadir Belhadj and wins a corner from Cherundolo.
11'
Dempsey embarks on a driving run but Halliche stops him in his tracks. A good intervention from the Algeria defender.
9'
Djebbour looks lively and after some more unconvincing defending, this time from Steve Cherundolo, flashes a volley wide. USA really need to start picking him up, and improving at the back.
8'
USa win a free kick some 30 yards from goal and it is Clint Dempsey who takes responsibility. His effort flies over the bar though, and with bodies in the box, that was a waste.
7'
At the other end Herculez Gomez forces M'Bohli into a save and USA cannot make the most of the corner.
6'
<b>Algeria hit the bar!</b> Rafik Djebbour whacks a shot against the woodwork after beating DeMerit to a long ball over the top. That was sloppy play from the defender and a let-off for USA.
6'
ESPN Stats & Info:<i> USA have lost all six of their third group games since 1950.</i>
5'
USA look energetic and have started in an encouraging fashion. No decent chances as yet though.
4'
Michael Bradley clears from the centre of the box as Algeria waste a free-kick from the left. The general level of set-pieces has been woeful at this tournament. Can we blame the Jabulani?
3'
Jay DeMerit is a bit of a battler and he appears to be bleeding from the mouth after an early coming together.
2'
Landon Donovan whips in a cross for USA but M'Bohli claims the ball decisively.
1'
Algeria's Karim Matmour enjoys the first chance of the game as he unleashes a volley from 20 yards. It is a decent opening effort, but sears wide of the post.
1'
<b>KICK OFF!</b>
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Team USA indluge in a last-minute huddle. They are determined to get through after Edu was denied that goal against Slovenia.
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The two captains exchange pleasantries and we are second away from kick-off. I think the England game is slightly ahead of us though, which isn't ideal.
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And now the Algerians. It's a jaunty tune, it must be said.
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Clint Dempsey has his head bowed and looks sombre during the national anthem. Landon Donovan is the very picture of concentration. He means business.
-
As things stand, England are heading out of the World Cup, but I fully expect that to change a few times over the next 90 minutes.
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Just a quick stat to throw in: Algiers is closer to New York than Pretoria, where today's game is being played.
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The teams are emerging from the tunnel in Pretoria, and D-Day has arrived for USA and Algeria. Bradley's side must be considered favourites as Algeria are yet to score at the World Cup.
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ESPN Stats & Info:<i> Algeria lost both of their only two previous matches against CONCACAF opposition, failing to score in the process.</i>
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USA have failed to keep a clean sheet in their past 12 international fixtures, which will be of concern to Bob Bradley. If then can do today, they will have a decent chance of reaching the second round.
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ESPN Stats & Info:<i> The United States have won their last two matches against African opposition, keeping a clean sheet in the process.</i>
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USA drew 1-1 with England in their opening game and fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Slovenia. However, the memory of Maurice Edu's disallowed goal, which would have won the game against Slovenia, will be motivating a side stung by injustice. The name Koman Coulibaly will not be forgotten any time soon in the States.
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Bornstein has come in for Oguchi Onyewu, with Carlos Bocanegra moving to the centre of defence. Maurice Edu and Herculez Gomez also replace Jose Torres and the suspended Robbie Findley. Algeria make one change with Rafik Djebbour replacing Ryad Boudebouz.
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Photo guru Jason Potterton, a USA fan, has this to say in the Soccernet office: <i>With Jonathan Bornstein in the team, USA are setting themselves up for defeat.</i>
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It's basically a case of winner takes all, death or glory, success or failure. The stakes are high, the pressure is on. Who will secure the victory they need? Stick with us to find out.
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As for Algeria, they must beat USA and hope Slovenia win or draw against England. If they win and England win, Algeria will need to surpass Slovenia's goal difference, which is currently two better. Essentially, they are very likely to qualify with a victory.
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USA will also advance if they and England both draw, unless in doing so, England score two more goals than USA. That will result in the drawing of lots. If England score three or more goals (eg. USA 0-0 Algeria, England 3-3 Slovenia), they will go through at USA's expense.
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Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the conclusion of Group C as USA face Algeria in Pretoria. Bear with me, because it could get messy. Essentially, what you need to know is that if USA win, they will qualify for the second round. England are in the same boat.
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Join us at 1500 GMT to see if the USA can seal their place with a win over Algeria.
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<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/video?video=channels/412593/936875&playlist=&cc=5739&ver=global" target="_blank">Find out what Landon Donovan thinks of the game with Algeria.</a>
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<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0618/landondonovangoal20100618_275x155.jpg">