USA Is Through!

By Simeon | June 24, 2010 2:24 AM | Comments (1)

Landon scores
Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

What a rollercoaster of emotions; the United States is through to the round of 16! Thanks to a last minute goal by Landon Donovan, a deserving USA team will advance from the first round of the 2010 World Cup. Not only have they advanced, but they've won the group in front of England!

My group arrived at Durban FanFest close to 4PM local time. A few small groups of American's were already on the beach. As kickoff drew near, more and more entered the FanFest. We were all wearing Red, White and Blue. Neil was even wearing Stars and Stripes paints. Both Neil and I waved flags. Before the game, we were shown on the big screen. Everyone wanted to take pictures with us including the Durban US Consulate and a wire service photographer.

The game was a nail-bitter. Algeria had their chances, and the USA didn't look as organized as I'd like. The USA also had chances, and we even had ANOTHER goal disallowed. For the second time in two games, the ref blew the call. As the game reached the 75th minute, the tension on the beach was unreal. No one could stomach defeat or a tie. We wanted to advance so badly. At the death, Landon Donovan willed the ball into the net, and we erupted. All the Americans gatherd in one group. We threw down our beers, we jumped in the air, we waved our flags, we played our vuvuzelas, danced and sand "Ole, Ole, Ole, USA, USA." It was an unbelievable experience. We got multiple texts from the West and East Coasts saying friends and family saw us on TV!

The euporhia lasted into the night, and we trounced around Durban singing and waving our flags. Everyone was so happy for us. We even purchased tickets for the USA game on Saturday v. Ghana. Next stop, Rustenberg.