PRETORIA // An emotional Landon Donovan broke down in tears last night after scoring the injury-time winner that secured the United States a place in the second round. Donovan appeared in the post-match press conference following his side's victory over Algeria still in his kit and looking drained. When asked how he felt after scoring the only goal of the game, he fell silent for a long period. "I've been through a lot in the past four years," he said croakily, struggling for breath and his eyes moist with emotion. As Bob Bradley, his coach, put an arm around his player, Donovan continued: "I am so glad that it has all culminated in this win. It makes me believe in good in the world and when you try to do things the right way, it's good to see them get rewarded."
The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder added that there were two moments in the past four years that have changed his life: the US's exit from the 2006 World Cup and his recent divorce. "Those are experiences that can harm you and can help you grow and I did a lot of work to get something out of those experiences. It all came together tonight," he said. The match itself was thrilling, with both teams attacking, desperate for three points. Bill Clinton, the former United States president, watched as his country started brightly, but it was the favourites who were almost left shocked as the tournament's only Arab representatives came close to opening the scoring through Rafik Djebbour; his volley crashing against the crossbar following a mistake by Jay DeMerit.
The scare seemed to kick-start the US team and Clint Dempsey, America's influential midfielder, had the ball in the net soon after, but he was judged offside by the match officials. However, the Fulham man continued to cause the Africans problems, and when Jozy Altidore played him through in the second half, he looked destined to score. His curled effort this time struck the upright. "Sometimes in soccer, when you get lots of chances and they don't go in, the only thing you can do is keep going," Donovan said.
As the clock ran down and the US aware that, with England leading Slovenia, victory would secure them qualification, but anything less would mean an early exit, they pushed further up the pitch. The Algerians instead reverted to fouling their opponents and they became masters of their own downfall as the injury time accumulated allowed their opponents to snatch the precious goal. With 92 minutes played, Altidore's cross fell for Dempsey, whose shot was blocked by Rais M'Bolhi in the Algerian goal, but Donovan was perfectly placed to slot home and make the majority of the 38,500 fans in Pretoria delirious. Emotions then got the better of Anther Yahia and the Algerian captain was shown a second yellow card in the 94th minute for dissent. A jubilant Clinton went into the US dressing room after the game to congratulate the players.
"The goal now," Donovan said, "is to recover physically and emotionally and get ready for Saturday." Tim Howard, the US goalkeeper, hailed Donovan, saying: "I'm so proud of him, I always believe big players produce big moments and there's no doubt he's a big player for us. This win means a lot. You don't allow yourselves to dream sometimes ... and when you finally do it, it's emotional, it's pure elation."
Rabah Saadane, the Algeria coach, said he was unsure if he would remain in charge after his team exited without scoring a goal. "I think there are many people who would like me to go," he said. gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
