USA Survives and Advances

With their backs against the wall, and needing a goal to advance out of pool play, Jozy Altidore's brilliant run down the field and shot on goal put Landon Donovan in position for an easy tap in, and the United States escaped elimination by mere minutes. Golden opportunity after opportunity were missed by the US earlier in the match, but not this one as Donovan easily kicked the ball into the back of the net. The United States actually had scored a goal earlier in the match, but was called offsides (yet another disgraceful call by head official). Nothing, however, would deny the US this time. 

With the United States no doubt scoreboard watching throughout the game, and knowing that England held a 1-0 lead over Slovenia, a draw would do no good against Algeria; it was win or go home. 

Although the Red, White, and Blue survived a tremendous scare and moved on, the officiating must be called into question. The match against Slovenia was literally taken right from their hands, and the match today against Algeria was nearly taken from them as well if it were not for the heroics of Donovan. 

I only hope that FIFA finds competent officials for the tournament play. Seeing a country go home, and years of preparation and training go down the drain would be such a shame because of poor officiating.

Relish in the win America. After all, it is the first time since 1930 the United States has won their pool.