United States into last 16 in World Cup

Jozy Altidore (R) of the United States vies for the ball during the 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match against Algeria at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Tshwane, South Africa, June 23, 2010. (Xinhua/Guo Yong)
The United States made to the round of 16 courtesy of Landon Donovan's last-gasp winner to beat Algeria 1-0 in a World Cup Group C match on wednesday.

It was an entertaining game full of action but in the regular time no goal was scored. Donovan's winner came in the additional time, and the victory booked USA a place in the round of 16, joined by England, who beat Slovenia 1-0.

In the first group matches, USA drew with England 1-1 and Slovenia 2-2, while Algeria lost to Slovenia 1-0 and drew with England 0-0.

Only six minutes into the game, Herculez Gomez of USA hit a right-foot shot but Algeria's goalie Raid Ouheb Mbolhi pulled off a save. Gomez again at the seventh minute as he took a right-foot shot, which was blocked by Mbolhi.

Algeria responded with Rafik Djebbour hitting a shot with his left foot but it went wide.

USA stood a real chance at the 21st minute when Gomez's shot was palmed away by Mbolhi and Gomez put the ball back to the path of Dempsey, who found the back of the net. Unfortunately, Dempsy was ruled offside.

It was Djebbour again at the 27 minute when he challenged the US defence.

Algeria notched up the upper hand in the first thirty minutes with a 52 percent of ball possession, nine shots and one on target to USA's five and three.

In the rest 15 minutes of the first half, USA staged a comeback. At the 35th minute, Landon Donovan put the ball to Dempsey, whose shot came to nothing.

At the 37th minute, Michael Bradley of USA squeezed through the Algeria defence but Jozy Altidore's shot went wide.

Benny Feilhaber of USA forced his way to the by-line at the 65th minute but his shot was easy for Mbolhi to claim.

Time was running out for both sides and at the closing minutes Medhi Lacen was sent off after receiving his second yellow card. USA cashed in on the opportunity with Donova smashing in a winner, putting the USA team going wild.

Source:Xinhua

Special Report: World Cup 2010