USA wins & advances

Wow!

What a goal, what a game, and what a World Cup so far from the U.S. Men's National Team.

For the first time since 1930, the United States won their group — Group C — thanks to Landon Donovan's goal in second half stoppage time.

The goal started on a forty-yard outlet throw from Tim Howard to Donovan. Donovan sprinted forward, and passed it up the wing to Edson Buddle. Buddle was able to slip the ball into the center of the box for Dempsey who took a shot that Algerian goalkeeper Rais Bolihi was able to save, but not hold on to.

The ball dribbled out and Donovan, continuing the run was able to take the rebound and knock it into the back of the net.

Had the US team not been able to score, they would have been going home after the match thanks to England earning a 1-0 win over Slovenia's Green Dragons.

After the match an emotional Donovan talked about the game:

"I've been through a lot in the last four years. I'm so glad it culminated this way. When you try to do things the right way, it's good to get rewarded."

The game almost started out disastrously when the United States almost gave up an early goal for the third straight World Cup match. A Rafik Djebbour shot rattled the crossbar in the sixth minute to give the US a scare.

But after that point the US team truly dominated the match — Algeria certainly had other good opportunities to score, but the United States seemed to be winning loose balls and making crisper passes.

In the twenty-first minute, the United States appeared to take the lead as Clint Dempsey one-timed the rebound from Herculez Gomez's shot, but was called offsides.

Making the game even more special, USA Bid Committee Honorary Chairman President Bill Clinton was watching the game with FIFA President Sepp Blatter and was able to congratulate the victorious team after the match.

The United States will face the runner-up in Group D at 2:30 PM ET this Saturday, June 26. Be sure to plan your own or sign up to attend a watch party in advance of the game.

Wow!