Landon Donovan got the vital US winner in the second minute
of injury time. The Group C match had its first chance within 12 seconds, but
Karim Ziani's volley from outside the penalty box flew just wide of Tim
Howard's goal.
Algeria came close again in the sixth minute with another volley,
Rafik Djebbour taking advantage of a mistake by defender Jay DeMerit to send
his shot crashing against the bar.
The Americans responded just moments later with a powerful drive
by striker Hercules Gomez forcing keeper Rais Ouheb Mbouli to palm away for a
corner.
The United States had a goal disallowed late in their 2-2 draw
with Slovenia and were frustrated again when Clint Dempsey's 20th minute tap in
from a Gomez assist was judged offside.
Dempsey threatened again on 57 minutes when a Jozy Altidore cross
fell to him near the penalty spot, but his curling shot hit the post.
Seven minutes later the United States pushed forward once more
when Benny Feilhaber, who came on at halftime for Gomez, put in a dangerous
cross which forced Mbouli to a reflex save with his outstretched leg.
The United States looked the more dangerous side, but the Algerians
gave them occasional scares such as Hassan Yebda's 68th minute fierce strike
that went wide after a flowing counter-attack.
Donovan put the United States ahead right at the death and there
was still time for Antar Yahia to be sent off for a second yellow card.
