The USA finished top in their group C with England coming second.

Among the fans to spur the USA team on was ex-president Bill Clinton.  The Americans became more dominant as the half wore on and should have taken the lead after 20 minutes when Dempsey's effort was harshly ruled out for offside, BBC reported.

Knowing that a victory would send them through, US coach Bob Bradley threw on attackers Edson Buddle and Benny Feilhaber, whose low shot was saved by the legs of Raid Ouheb Mbouli, the Algerian goalie.

With the Americans committed to attack, Algeria began to threaten on the break and Karim Ziani flashed a low shot wide when well-placed inside the box. But just as the Americans appeared to be running out of steam, the winning goal finally arrived.

Altidore raced clear down the right and crossed for Dempsey, whose point-blank effort was parried by the goalkeeper. The loose ball rolled into the path of Donovan, who made no mistake from six yards to send the American players and fans into raptures.