New York Times story link.
On a perfect set-up from goalie Tim Howard who created a 4-on-2 rush, Landon Donovan scored in the first minute of stoppage time to lift the U.S. side to victory and a spot in the Round of 16.
I can understand those people who hate on soccer. I, too, dislike watching players trying to draw fouls by flopping to the turf and acting like they've been shot when there is the least amount of contact. I can't quite understand all the nuances and Calvinball nature of off-sides penalties --- sometimes, it's OK to be past the last defender, and sometimes it's not). And soccer is a sport that badly needs replay, at least at the World Cup level where the technology is definitely available. But we'll put all that aside for the moment and let these players do a little basking.
The way the USA has fought back against the odds, from one or two goals behind late into their matches, against the other 11 men, against the refs who are either physically blind / hallucinogenic, on the take with odds-makers or who harbor personal hate of America, against FIFA for the attitude that soccer is for the 'rest of the world' and want to protect their sport from American dominance. We're still in it and the USA never gives up!
Truth be told, I also have a rooting interest for the Netherlands, a team that has a good chance to win the whole tournament, according to some experts.
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