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If you are a fan of sports in the United States and you don't think this victory was special you weren't watching the match. The United States were clearly the better side in this game against Algeria. However, even though they had many chances to score it took until stoppage time to get the goal. Landon Donovan scored in the first minute of extra time to give the United States the victory.
Fulham's Clint Dempsey had an excellent game even though he did not have a goal that counted. In the 23rd minute of the first half Dempsey took a pass from Gomez and slammed it into the net. However, he was called for being offsides and the goal did not count. Replays have shown since that he was probably not offsides. If the United States did not win that non - goal would be a huge story. Even though the United States had chances the first half ended 0 - 0. At the same time England was beating Slovenia 1 - 0.
Going into the second half The United States now needed to win or hope Slovenia would come back and tie their match with England. Clint Dempsey would again be a factor in the second half. In the 57th minute his shot hit the post and came back to him. He had a chance to shoot again, but his shot went high. The United States were attacking in the second half and had several chances to score.
As the game was going into stoppage time the U.S. needed a goal to move on. England had won their match against Slovenia 1 - 0. To go on in this tournament they needed to score. In the first minute of extra time Landon Donovan made a great run. He got the ball to Jozy Altidore who shot the ball into the box. The ball got rebounded out to Donovon who knocked it into the back of the net. The U.S. held on for the thrilling 1 - 0 victory.
Since the United States won they are now top of their group with England being second. As a fan of both teams that makes me very happy. I can't wait for the round of 16. Do the United States have any more magic in store for us?