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England, United States advance

Published:Thursday | June 24, 2010 | 12:00 AM
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England's Jermain Defoe (second right) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the World Cup group C soccer match between Slovenia and England at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, yesterday.
The United States' Landon Donovan (second left) celebrates after scoring a goal, with fellow team member Edson Buddle, as Algeria goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi (second right) and teammates react during the World Cup group C soccer match between the United States and Algeria at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday. - AP
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JOHANNESBURG (AP):

England finally played near their best yesterday at the World Cup and the United States poked in an injury-time goal, enough to put both teams into the round of 16 with 1-0 victories.

Both the English and Americans came into their final Group C matches with two points from two draws - one against each other. They both needed wins to guarantee advancement.

Jermain Defoe scored for England against Slovenia in Port Elizabeth and Landon Donovan did the job for the United States against Algeria in Pretoria.

England's second goal

Defoe scored England's second goal of the tournament in the 23rd minute, sending a right-footed volley from James Milner's cross past Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

"This team, this spirit, played together and tried together," England coach Fabio Capello said. "I am really happy because I found the team I know. We now go forward. We can play against all the teams because the mind is now free."

Before the goal, the English players again looked nervous and lacked any fluidity. But after taking the lead, the 1966 world champions dominated and could have scored more.

"It's been difficult for the supporters because they weren't happy with the performances," Defoe said. "A lot of the top teams have struggled so it was important to keep the spirit, which we have done."

The 1-0 result could have still seen Slovenia through, but the late American win changed things dramatically.

Donovan beat Algeria goalkeeper Rais Bolhi in the first minute of injury time after Clint Dempsey's shot from close range was saved.

Donovan's fourth goal

The goal was Donovan's fourth at the World Cup, equalling Bert Patenaude's American record.

"I'm shocked," Donovan said. "Clint made a good run in the middle, the ball fell to me ... time kind of stopped. You can't miss from there."

The United States nearly had another goal, but Dempsey's 21st-minute tap-in was whistled away for offside, even though television replays appeared to show it to be fair.

"We finished first in our group," United States coach Bob Bradley said. "Five points. Didn't lose a match. So we're ready."

Algeria, which have never advanced from the group stage at the World Cup, finished last with one point.