2010 FIFA World Cup: Landon Donovan, the Savior of USA Soccer

It seemed the goal would never come.

Time and time again the Americans were frustrated by their own lack of concentration to put just one of the opportunities in the back of the net.

But wait.

Could it be?

Could it be possible to seize a victory in the final minutes of a World Cup match?

When Landon Donovan broke free through the midfield, it seemed the crowd was holding its breath.

Donovan to Jozy Altidore, Altidore to Clint Dempsey, and then?

With the fate of his country on his shoulders, Landon Donovan brilliantly finished an opportunity right at the death to snatch a victory for the United States.

The most influential American player ever, Donovan carried his team forward into the knockout stages with one of the most memorable goals in USA soccer history.

Now that we can soak in this tremendous victory for the USA, I wanted to point out a couple bright spots in this game.

Jozy Altidore

I have never seen Altidore play with such energy and aggression up top. He singlehandedly kept the pressure on Algeria throughout the game, getting behind the stellar Algerian defense.

Even though he missed a glorious opportunity right in front of the net, he didn't let himself become fazed.

He raged back and continued to fight for his country, and finally it paid off after he set up the Donovan finish.

Tim Howard

Howard demands the best out of his team, and he continues to make sure that the United States are always focused on the goal to keep advancing through this competition.

His distribution to Donovan set up USA's last-minute goal after he made a terrific save.

I can't say enough about this team's determination and will to win.

It is a proud day to be an American, and the savior of his country, Landon Donovan, said it best: "We're not done yet."