Live The Pitch

In Group C action today we had the United States taking on Algeria and England facing off against Slovenia.  Landon Donovan scored the goal of his career in extra time to defeat Algeria 1-0.  Jermaine Defoe scored a brilliant goal for England to defeat Slovenia 1-0.

England quickly made the game a must win for the U.S. when Jermaine Defoe scored in the 23rd minute. The word was definitely passed on to the players on the field with the U.S. attacking early and often.

The game was nearly a repeat of other American performances when Algeria sent a volley off the crossbar in the 6th minute. After an early scare, the U.S. settled down a bit and got into the flow of the game play really opened up. They had at least nine chances to score throughout the game, including another goal taken away from a poor off-sides call.

After a solid chance on goal from Algeria that ended with a Tim Howard save the U.S goalkeeper sent his second half-field throw right to Donovan in stride.  Donovan slotted a through ball to Jozy Altidore who then found a streaking Clint Dempsey who’s shot deflected off goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi right back to Donovan who continued his run to score the biggest goal in U.S. soccer history.

Donovan will surely go down as the greatest player to ever play for the U.S.  This is a huge accomplishment for American soccer fans as this is the first time they have won the group since 1930.

England dominated Slovenia from the first whistle but could not put the match out of reach.  Defoe’s goal was set up by a beautiful cross from Steven Gerrard.  England had numerous chances to add to their lead but made things interesting for English fans until the whistle blew.

In the first match of the day Slovenia defeated Algeria 1-0 to go on top of Group C.  Slovenia received a gift goal in the 79th minute when Robert Koren’s shot was misplaced by goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi of Algeria.  Algeria went down to 10 men in the 73rd minute but did not have enough to break through Slovenia’s defense.

Both teams played with a ton of effort and will give England and the U.S. all they can handle in the Group stage.

Here is the AP article from ESPN.com with full highlights-Koren’s late score lifts Slovenia to first World Cup victory

In the second match Ghana defeated Serbia 1-0 after Asamoah Gian converted on a penalty kick in the 84th minute.  Ghana looked very well prepared to face a strong Serbian team filled with stars.  If Ghana stay in this form they will be a force for the rest of the competition.  Gian was the MVP of the match with a few near misses also.

Here is the AP article from ESPN.com with full highlights-Ghana’s Gyan converts penalty kick near end to edge Serbia

In the third match of the day Germany destroyed Australia 4-0.  Lucas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller and Cacau each scored a goal in the win.   Germany dismantled the Australian defense throughout the entire match creating chance after chance.  Australia should consider themselves lucky to only lose 4-0 with Germany missing some easy goal scoring opportunities. The Germans look like the most complete team in the tournament so far with attacking options all over the pitch.

Here is the AP article from ESPN.com with full highlights-Germany’s 4 goals pile on Australia defense