It was June 23, 2010 in South Africa and the United States soccer team was facing Algeria. It was late in the game and the American fans were starting to give up hope as it looked like it wasn’t going to happen to them. Passionate soccer fans were heartbroken, considering the kids got robbed with a few calls and could have made it with a few decisions in their favor. Just when everyone was down, Landon Donovan comes to the rescue!
It was a must for the US in their final game vs. Algeria. This game made football fans bite their nails and caused many pits in the stomach. I know my stomach couldn’t take it. They had incredible occasions, but nothing fell for them. Once again, they even had a bad decision made by the referee that took a goal away from them.
England was playing Slovenia while the United States was playing Algeria. If England were to win their match, it would force the US into a must-win situation. We all knew that England took the lead early in the game and Slovenia were unlikely to equalize with England’s strong and experienced defence. As each minute ticked by, it seemed as if the American boys were going home.
In the 90th minute, the United States had another counterattack. But this time it actually meant something. The ball moved from north to south and this play ended with one of the most theatrical moments in American football history.
And of course it was Landon Donovan. The team leader steps forward for the occasion. This goal, as well as the goal in his comeback vs. Slovenia only solidifies the argument that Landon is the greatest American soccer player of all time.
With this incredible game-winning goal from the US team, it would put them in first place in their group stage. This means that they will avoid playing Germany in the second round and will face Ghana instead. Although Ghana is very strong, it is definitely not Germany. Not only did it mean we got the easiest opponent, but finishing the group stage in first place is a first for the USA. It’s a huge achievement, especially with England in the group.
This team has more fight than other teams I have seen in the World Cup so far. Hopefully they can bring the same level of intensity to Ghana. The winner of this match plays the winner of South Korea vs. Uruguay. And the winner of that advanced to the semifinals. We couldn’t ask for a better giveaway right now!
If the US brings its best game to Ghana, it should do well. With a victory, soccer can grow a little more in the US They have made it extremely exciting and I am sure they will continue to give us something to talk about vs. Ghana.