Watch: It's The 5-Year Anniversary Of Landon Donovan's Dramatic Goal
(CBS) Five years ago today, 90-plus minutes into the U.S. men's national team's group stage match against Algeria at the 2010 World Cup, so many American fans were experiencing the agony of a scoreless draw. With a USA trip to the knockout stage of the World Cup hinging on earning a win, there was nothing but emptiness and near misses into the 91st minute.
In a span of 11 seconds, the fortunes changed so fast.
An Algeria shot on goal was stonewalled by Tim Howard, who made a beautiful pass to Landon Donovan near midfield. A pass and a run up the right wing resulted in a cross to Clint Dempsey, whose shot was denied. There the ball inched slowly and unattended for a split second but also seemingly forever, before a trailing Donovan slammed the ball into the lower left of an open net with a well-timed right foot.
It set off raucous celebrations. The Americans would go on to lose in the round of 16, but June 23, 2010 will remain one of the best days in American soccer history. Take at look at the famous goal above.