With an amazing goal by midfielder Landon Donovan in the second minute of extra time, the U.S. has defeated Algeria 1-0, putting the team on top of Group C.
It was his 44th goal in international competition.
"Sensational!" Paul Doyle, covering for the match for The Guardian, wrote.
Moments after forward [Rafik] Saifi spurned a wonderful chance at the other end, heading straight at Howard, the US hurtle forward. Altidore, showing the footballing intelligence Martin Keown accused him of lacking, pinged it a cross the box. The keeper dived bravely at the feet of Dempsey but it rebounded out to Donovan, who slammed it into the net to trigger mass euphoria among the American players and fans! It looks like they're going to top the group.
Jeff Z. Klein, live blogging the game for The New York Times, says there are "scenes of ecstatic jubilation on the field in Pretoria."
Here in Manhattan, the sounds of cheers outside my window on the Upper West Side! Algerian fans in tears at the stadium! Donovan embraced by his teammates! US fans dancing in the stands!
Here at NPR's headquarters in Washington, cheers erupted in the newsroom.
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