USA WINS GAME AND WINS GROUP

Landon Donovan scored a stunning goal in the first minute of injury time, advancing the United States to the second round at the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Algeria.

With the U.S. perhaps three minutes from elimination Wednesday, Donovan brought the ball upfield on a counterattack and Jozy Altidore’s shot on the breakaway was tipped by Clint Dempsey into goalkeeper Rais Bolihi. The rebound went to Donovan, who kicked it in from about 8 yards for one of the biggest goals in U.S. soccer history.

Yes, it was an incredible game. The USA again had a clean goal taken away from her. That is the second goal in the World Cup that later replays showed was legally made but taken away by the referee. It makes me less than impressed with the arbitrage so far.

Nevertheless, at the end of it all, the incredible result. Not only is the USA going on to the next round, but the USA is going on to the next round having WON its group. England is second, having redeemed itself for its lackluster performance in its first three games. At this point it is unknown whom the USA will play in the next round.