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Thank the MLS for the rise of USA and Landon Donovan
Yesterday, with time melting away, Landon Donovan raced into the Algerian penalty area and took his shot. It was one shot, his only shot on target for the day. But it was enough; he slotted it into the net to give the USA the win – for the game, and also for the group.
Winning the group might be reflexive for the world's soccer powerhouses, but the USA had not achieved it since the advent of colour television. Twenty years ago, the US had been almost ceremonial competition for the likes of Czechoslovakia and Austria. Twelve years ago, they lost to assorted semi-professionals from Iran. And now, they stand atop their group and are through to the last 16.
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Yesterday, with time melting away, Landon Donovan raced into the Algerian penalty area and took his shot. It was one shot, his only shot on target for the day. But it was enough; he slotted it into the net to give the USA the win – for the game, and also for the group.
Winning the group might be reflexive for the world's soccer powerhouses, but the USA had not achieved it since the advent of colour television. Twenty years ago, the US had been almost ceremonial competition for the likes of Czechoslovakia and Austria. Twelve years ago, they lost to assorted semi-professionals from Iran. And now, they stand atop their group and are through to the last 16.
(continue)