By Daniel Kelley
(OFFICIAL ONELOVE U.S. CORESPONDENT)
Group C of the 2010 world cup has been nothing but an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved. Underdogs prevailed and shook things up in the beginning. Slovenia got an unlikely stranglehold on the group’s lead, and England struggled immensely to get anything going. Algeria started with a loss thanks to a major goalkeeping howler, but shocked everyone by tying England in a game that many thought they would lose. In the end though team USA prevailed and surprised everyone by winning group C.
After making the most of the gift that Robert Green awarded team USA with his now infamous goalkeeping error and coming back against Slovenia in the most controversial game of the tournament so far, USA had to beat Algeria to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages. The game started in typical USA fashion with a miscommunication in the USA backline that resulted in Rafik Djebbour of Algeria letting off a blistering shot that flew past a hapless Tim Howard and smacked the crossbar. From there USA went on the attack and relentlessly pressed the Algerian backline and went on to score a goal that was controversially disallowed. One must think that the cries of a conspiracy must be lurking in the background because twice now USA has controversially been denied two legitimate goals. Surprise starter Herculez Gomez let off a powerful shot that missed the goal, but allowed a waiting Clint Dempsey to pounce on the rebound and score. Unfortunately Frank De Bleeckere of Belgium, the latest error prone referee to officiate a game, called the goal offside. Replays would show that Dempsey was most definitely onside, but unfortunately De Bleeckere would only be able to see those replays after the game was over.
After the goal had officially been disallowed, both teams furiously attacked each other. USA had more chances but they just couldn’t seem to take advantage of them, and with news that England was beating Slovenia desperation was beginning to set in. There was a moment of hope when Clint Dempsey curled in a perfect shot that beat the keeper but hit the post instead of going in the net. Just when everyone was ready to throw in the towel and brace themselves for another disappointing world cup campaign the unexpected happened. In a goalmouth scramble in the 91st minute a loose ball fell to the feet of Landon Donovan. In a game full of missed chances and blown opportunities Donovan did not hesitate and scored a dramatic game winner that will not only take USA to the next round but allowed them to win group C all together. Donovan’s goal will be one of the most important ones ever for him. It keeps USA in the tournament and more importantly it gives the team more support from their country than ever before. USA is off to arguably one of their best starts ever to a world cup and looks set to use their momentum to progress even farther in what is becoming one of the most wild and unpredictable world cup’s ever.
Player Ratings:
Howard – 7 – In what is becoming a frightening recurring trend, Howard was nearly scored on by a powerful shot in the opening minutes. Thankfully for Howard and team USA the crossbar prevented the shot from going in. Solid play from Howard tonight, made some pointblank saves that kept team USA in the game.
Cherundolo – 7 – Dolo has looked pretty great on the right so far in this tournament. He did his usual thing with relative ease tonight, he held down the right side and came up on the attack with penetrating runs and dangerous crosses.
DeMerit – 8 – It’s pretty amazing that DeMerit only plays in the Championship league in England because he has shone the world that he can compete at the highest level. His passing game still needs work but his game in the air is unbelievable. Has a knack of winning just about every aerial ball he goes for, great game for DeMerit.
Bocanegra – 6.5 – Looked a little uncomfortable in the middle at times. Despite some unfamiliarity in the middle he had a solid yet forgettable game for the captain.
Bornstein – 6.5 – Came in for Gooch to provide more speed out of the back. Had a solid game, played smart and contributed to the attack on a few occasions. It was rare error-free performance for the Chivas USA defender today.
Donovan – 8 – Faded in and out of the game and was having trouble getting past the stingy Algerian defense. Kept his recent goal scoring streak alive with a HUGE goal in stoppage time. Landy Cakes is trying to make everyone forget about his poor performances in 2006, and so far its working.
Bradley – 8 – Bradley is a star in the making, and this world cup is proving to be his showcase. Endless amounts of energy and great vision on the field, what more could you want from a box to box midfielder? He looked fearless today, and never seemed like he was resigned to be knocked out of the tournament.
Edu – 6 – Broke up lots of plays and won possession, but kept giving the ball away with poor passes. Needs his offensive game to be as good as his defensive one.
Dempsey – 7 – Played a hard fought game and was unlucky to have his goal get disallowed, and was also unlucky to hit the post in the second half. Was getting abused by the Algerian defenders and midfielders throughout the game but he still fought tirelessly. Had a big hand in Donovan’s goal to win the game.
Gomez – 6 – A shock starter. Very surprising to see him get the start today in such an important game. Made the most of his chance and looked dangerous today. Would have liked to have seen him play a little longer than he did.
Altidore – 7.5 – Jozy Altidore, the forward who does not score. Did all the dirty work today up top. Won balls, kept possession, and picked up fouls in all the right areas for team USA. Will be frustrated not to have scored yet, but should be happy with his play.
Substitutes
Feilhaber – 7 – Came on at the half for Gomez and looked like a different player than from the one in previous games. Played with intensity and grit, broke up plays and made dangerous passes. Looked really solid today in the midfield.
Buddle – 5 – Held the ball up well but looked too slow to be playing at this level. Needs to make better decisions with his passing game.
Beasley – 5 – Came on at the end as USA’s last attacking option off the bench. Wasn’t able to do much except pick up some hard fouls and get a silly yellow card for a handball.
Tags: Clint Dempsey, Daniel kelley, Landon Donovan, ONELOVE FC, USNT, World Cup 2010
