June 23, 2010

Best. Game. EVER.


Once again I watched from my cubicle, silently and alone...longing for my friend's company, Meehan's, and a beer.

As it came down to the final minutes and we were still scoreless while, England was winning their game 1-0 over Slovenia. The announcers all started talking about how sad it was going to be that we weren't moving on saying "Sometimes the best teams don't advance." Luckily I am ever the optimist I still believed we could do it and we did!!! GO USA!!! Karma's a bitch ain't it Slovenia!

Here is what ESPN had to say:
USA have topped Group C as Landon Donovan hit a late winner against Algeria to give them a 1-0 win. Clint Dempsey's first-half goal was wrongly ruled out for offside but Donovan struck with seconds left to leapfrog England.

Man of the Match: Michael Bradley - A solid all-round performance from the coach's son. He looked inventive on the ball and provided a creative presence in midfield, though he also worked hard. He showed plenty of industry in chasing back and breaking up possession when Algeria had the ball in what was an impressive box-to-box display.

USA verdict: By far and away the better team, it seemed that USA's profligacy would cost them after both Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey were guilty of missing clear-cut chances. But Landon Donovan popped up late on to save their tournament and ensure Bob Bradley's side top the group.

Algeria verdict: Started brightly, with Rafik Djebbour hitting the bar in first ten minutes, but after that they were dominated by their opponents. Looked shaky at the back and were reduced to ambitious efforts from distance as they fell limply out of the tournament. Nadir Belhadj was once again one of Algeria's star performers along with Karim Ziani, but there were few positives to take out of this one for the Desert Foxes.

Could do better: Assistant referee - For the second game in a row, USA were denied a goal by a poor decision from the match official. On this occasion, the assistant referee ruled Clint Dempsey's first-half strike offside, despite the fact that replays showed Majid Bougherra to be playing him on.

Stat Attack:

This was USA's first World Cup clean sheet since their 1-0 win over England back in 1950.

The USA has not won their group since 1930.

Algeria has NEVER made it to the 2nd round of the world cup.

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