United States, England Advance to World Cup Round-of-16

US midfielder Landon Donovan waves the flag after the Group C first round 2010 World Cup football match US versus Algeria at Loftus Verfeld stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria, 23 Jun 2010

The United States has advanced to the knockout round of the World Cup after defeating Algeria, 1-0 in a thrilling final group match in Pretoria, South Africa.

After missing several opportunities earlier in Wednesday's match, Landon Donovan blasted an extra time rebound into the net for the winning score. His 91st minute goal sealed the United States as the winner of Group-C with five points.

England also ended up with five points after downing Slovenia, 1-0 on Jermain Defoe's 23rd-minute goal. But the U.S. tops the group based on goal differential. With their losses, both Algeria and Slovenia are eliminated from the tournament.

Later Saturday in Group-E, Ghana has a chance to knock Germany out of the group stage for the first time ever when they play in Johannesburg. And in Nelspruit, Australia plays Serbia with the knowledge that a win will send either team to the second round, depending on the results of the Ghana-Germany match.


Some information for this report was provided by AP.