Leander Schaerlaeckens: From all of us, have a great afternoon!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We'll be back with plenty more games, one of them by the U.S.!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's been wonderful sharing this amazing game with you all.

ESPN Stats and Info: Landon Donovan finished with just one shot on target in the match. It would finish as the game and the group winner.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Folks, we're off to our next assignments.

Chris Jones: Three martini lunches for all!

Chris Jones: Try to come down to earth some time this afternoon.

Chris Jones: On behalf of all of us, thanks for watching.

Chris Jones: All right, everybody. We have to go write about this somehow. It's been great. Check out our coverage on espn.com.

Chris Jones: Yeah, but that my third prediction, Jesse. Still. DEAD RIGHT!

Luke Cyphers: All right, I'm down to do interviews. Enjoyed it, everybody.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Full coverage and breakdown of this game will be on ESPN.com/WorldCup in the coming hours.

Luke Cyphers: Hahnemann the last man off the field. He's 38. He'll milk it.

Luke Cyphers: US assistant Pierre Barrieu, in charge of fitness, should take a bow.

Luke Cyphers: Mo Edu's hat is tremendous.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'll be chatting live on SportsNation at 2 p.m. ET.

Chris Jones: Thanks for joining us everybody. Amazing afternoon... And we'll see you again, I presume?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Be sure to check back on ESPN.com/WorldCup in the coming hours for Jeff Carlisle's write-up on this game.

Luke Cyphers: Curtain calls for the Yanks.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Nor do I!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: There, it's a moment of celebration for everybody.

Chris Jones: I don't want to get out of my chair. What a great afternoon for soccer.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Brad Guzan is still going nuts.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The reaction by Howard is unbelievable.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: You have to feel for tiny Slovenia, which came seconds from the second round, after nobody gave it a chance to even make the tournament.

ESPN Stats and Info: It is the first time the United States have won the final group match since 1950 at the World Cup.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Is Coulibaly forgiven here? Perhaps all that happened in this Group phase is forgiven, as the U.S. has won its group, the best outcome imaginable.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. finished with 51 percent of possession, 22 shots and 10 on target while Algeria got 19 shots off but just four on target.

Chris Jones: Good point WOW -- absolutely devastation for the Slovenians.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I've not seen a game this good in a long, long time.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: What a finish.

Luke Cyphers: Yanks don't want to leave the field.

Chris Jones: Did you guys have fun today? We sure did. Holy moly.

Luke Cyphers: Bocanegra's going over to the Algerians to shake hands, and they're very sportsmanlike. Classy moment.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Not to mention the Man of the Match.

ESPN Stats and Info: Landon Donovan is the United States' all-time leading scorer.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Stadium speaker: "The full-time score... USA 1, Algeria 0."

Luke Cyphers: The atmosphere in the stadium is, well, magical. Using the cliche pardon.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Algerians are disappointed. They played a wonderful game.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Their campaign is saved for another day.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. is nowhere near done exchanging hugs.

ESPN Stats and Info: That is the latest goal in a World Cup match, EVER for the United States.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cliches are pardoned for the next ten minutes!

Chris Jones: CAN'T STOP TYPING IN CAPS!

ESPN Stats and Info: The United States win their group at the World Cup for the first time since 1930, the first World Cup.

Luke Cyphers: Pretty good live. I'm assuming this was good television.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The miracle of Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria will live on!

Chris Jones: SOCCER IS THE GREATEST GAME IN THE WOLRD! INCLUDING THE USA!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: WHAT A FINALE!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: THE UNITED STATES WINS AND EVEN WINS THE GROUP!!!

Chris Jones: UNBELIEVABLE!

Chris Jones: OVER!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: GAME!!!!!!!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Seconds to play here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Howard kicks it up the field. Altidore holds it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan's belly-flop after the goal was glorious.

Luke Cyphers: Bottles being thrown on the field

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yahia gets a second yellow and is off!

Luke Cyphers: Sent off

Leander Schaerlaeckens: But the Algerians are called for a foul and are exploding.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Every American man, woman and child is back.

ESPN Stats and Info: If results hold, the United States and England are through, the United States will WIN the group.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to Algeria now.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore cross edit on the break-away, Dempsey shot it at goal, with the shot only blocked but not held by M' Bolhi and Landon swept it in!

Chris Jones: Now, they need to play 10 men in the box.

Chris Jones: WOWOWOOWOWOWOOW

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Landon Donovan!!!!

MikeGriffin: England has won, 1-0

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A giant pile of Americans now lays on the field!

Chris Jones: Prediction number 3! Spot on!

Luke Cyphers: uh wow

Leander Schaerlaeckens: THEY'VE DONE IT!!!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Chris Jones: OMGOOMGMGMFS

Leander Schaerlaeckens: USA USA USA USA USA!!!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: GOALLL!!!!!!!!!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Four minutes to right the wrong of Ellis Park.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Four minutes to save the U.S.'s campaign.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Four minutes to score a goal.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Four minutes of additional time.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan on the run. Finds Beasley but he's tackled in the box and even gets a yellow!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Could have been very dangerous, given the right execution.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long hoof by Howard to Buddle makes it to him, but Buddle doesn't set Altidore up right.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria with a long free kick. But they're offsides!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A tricksy cross by Algeria is headed away by DeMerit after which Yebda is closed down well, forcing him into a high shot.

Luke Cyphers: Having said that, Algeria misses a potential winner.

Chris Jones: Go, Stats, Go!

Luke Cyphers: Algeria looks content to draw. No urgency.

ESPN Stats and Info: The latest goal for the US in a World Cup all-time is Jim Brown (89th minute) against Argentina in 1930.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria almost got on the break with only DeMerit back. But he got to it first.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey with it on the right. To Altidore. His cross doesn't arrive.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cleanly challenged, danger gone.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. loses the ball and Algeria is on the break.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Headed away as Algeria makes another sub. Rafik Saifi on for Matmour.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan sends in the cross.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Feilhaber on the ball in the middle of the bark.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Deep free kick to the U.S. after Beasley is bowled over. The team choses to keep it in possession.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. needs a goal here to advance.

Luke Cyphers: Air ball. That thing won't come down

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The situation is getting dire.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Just over....

Jeff Carlisle: England still up, 1-0 with five minutes to go.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey relays it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Americans the stadium over waiting, hoping.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey behind it, blood gushing from his upper lip.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: 24-yard free kick.

Chris Jones: This has to be it...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore has felt better.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yellow to Lacen.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Loooong run for Altidore, until he's brought down.

Chris Jones: The Amazing Kreskin... Is incorrect.

Jeff Carlisle: Dempsey got clubbed by Yahia. Pretty tough for the referee to see but still.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Beasley is very far back. THey might be using him as a defender with license to go as far forward as suits him.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: De Bleeckere sends him to the side to get fixed up.

Luke Cyphers: Bleeding

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He's gesturing that he was elbowed in the mouth.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey is down again with a badly bleeding lip.

Chris Jones: Stats! What's the matter with you?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long Howard kick makes it to Buddle but he can't get a shot off.

ESPN Stats and Info: Three teams have been eliminated in the Group Stage without losing a match: '74 Scotland, '82 Cameroon, '98 Belgium.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bill Clinton is looking on nervously, biting his nails.

Luke Cyphers:
Beasley at left back.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. is going for it. As well they should.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He's on for Bornstein, who played a very solid game.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: DaMarcus Beasley looks ready to come on for the U.S.

Chris Jones: Ten minutes...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Headed away.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Straight at the fists of M'Bolhi.

Chris Jones: Nice attempt by Bradley...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan and Dempsey lay it off for a thunderbolt from Bradley!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Indirect though.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: 22 yards, from a good spot.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Another free kick to the U.S. as Dempsey is tackled on the edge of the box!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan with the ball in the box but he can't get a shot off.

Chris Jones: Nick has a hole in his office ceiling he's going to need to explain.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Tough call.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A cross by Cherundolo but it's headed wide by a defender. Should have been a corner.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: For stamping on Altidore's foot.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yellow to Yahia.

Chris Jones: 35,827 attendance

Leander Schaerlaeckens: But the result isn't there yet, for either side. Because as it stands, both will be eliminated.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: What a game this is.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: At the other end, Ghezzal's shot is straight at Howard.

Chris Jones: Jeff Carlisle beside me: That's a dangerous.... odhfidshfkdjdlssoooo

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Curled into Bradley, who headed over.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan behind it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: 20 or so yards.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A little further, on the left.

ESPN Stats and Info: The Americans threatening more, 17 shots with 7 reaching the target, 16 shots with just 2 on target from Algeria.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A free to the U.S. inches outside of the box!

Luke Cyphers: Some tired, ragged touches now on both sides.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. has twenty or so minutes, extra time included to do it here.

Luke Cyphers: Impatient by Yebda

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A shot by Yebda goes just over.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria on the break.

Chris Jones: The U.S. really can't blame the ref today. Offside call was very close, and the Americans haven't finished several golden chances.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long ball into Buddle is headed away.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Buddle called for a foul going for the ball on the right.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Headed away and Feilhaber couldn't get to the rebound.

Chris Jones: Twenty minutes left.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner for Donovan.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore blasted it over the ground and Bougherra's touch almost defeated his own keeper.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Almost an own goal by Bougherra.

Luke Cyphers: Nearly an own goal for Algeria

Leander Schaerlaeckens: OOH!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: As it stands England and Slovenia are through and the U.S. is out.

Chris Jones: I've already seen my lunch three times.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore came within inches of being able to tap it in, but M'Bolhi was there.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It was Buddle with the header.

Chris Jones: Seriously, I'm going to need some time off work, Paul. Great stop by M'Bolhi.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: At the other end. Ziani broke out on the right and had a clean shot which went wide.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo from the left with a cross right onto Altidore's noggin but M'Bolhi held it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: So close!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: OH!!!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Buddle almost played Dempsey into space, but his chip was off.

Chris Jones: Luke means arm. I think.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I must say, from up here, which is quite close to the field, the Algerians just seem a good bit bigger than the Americans.

Luke Cyphers: Howard has a hose!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: On the other end, a cross by Matmour is deflected and picked off by Howard.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey got to it but Buddle was too far past it at the second post.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: JUST WIDE!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Abdelkader Ghezzal on for Djebbour in the meantime.

Luke Cyphers: What Jeff said.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to the U.S.

Jeff Carlisle: Pretty solid day's work for Edu I thought. He really helped keep some Algeria counters from amounting to much.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Feilhaber skipped all the way to the back line in the box but his cross to the wide open Altidore was blocked by M'Bolhi.

Chris Jones: Sorry, Skippy... If England wins (which they are), no advance for the U.S. with a tie. You need to start fretting.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Apparently American athletes from other sports are going ballistic on Twitter about the disallowed goal.

Luke Cyphers: Buddle for Edu. Clint back to midfield.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ziani to Djebbour who clumsily lost it.

Luke Cyphers: Buddle coming on

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria again on the attack.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: An Altidore cross into the box is cleared.

Luke Cyphers: What a play by Bocanegra

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bocanegra slid and got the cross away from Djebbour, who would have had only Howard to get past.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria on the counter!

Chris Jones: I have a terrible headache.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He hadn't had a yellow yet. So he's OK for the next game.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Little harsh if you ask me.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yellow for Altidore.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He tripped Halliche.

ESPN Stats and Info: Under the current format, only two teams have tied all three matches: Chile in 1998 made it through, Belgium also in 1998 did not.

Chris Jones: A little less than 30 minutes left... And I agree with Luke, Algeria breaking down a little.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore almost got his ball past the last man.

Luke Cyphers: Algeria looks a little tired.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Edu intercepted a wide clearance, got it to Altidore who played it into the box for Bradley, but he was shielded off well.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo played it to Dempsey on the right, but his cross was blocked.

Luke Cyphers: Another good turn by Altidore.

MikeGriffin: Like Dempsey in U.S. match, Wayne Rooney has hit the post for England ... but the Three Lions still lead 1-0 at the hour mark.

Chris Jones: Now my brain is posting comments without my typing.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria on the ball now, but DeMerit, who appears to be wearing a knee brace, intercepted it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bob, that is.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bradley was seriously animated on that Dempsey miss, as he has been for much of this game.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Kaddir with the cross to Yebda who chests it down and attempts a bicycle kick which goes well wide.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bradley wins it off a seriously annoyed kadir, who had trooped up the right.

Jeff Carlisle: Bradley has been everywhere in this game.

Luke Cyphers: Chip off the post was (nearly) a beaut.
And rebound was a fright.

Chris Jones: Rebound was on a wide open net because M'Bolhi had committed on the first shot... Clean up in Aisle 3!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: That's three of the fattest chances in the books for the U.S., with two missed and one not given.

Jeff Carlisle: I think Dempsey might have even had time to settle the rebound, but blasted it wide.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore broke out on the left, fed Dempsey who took a touch into the box, hit the post and couldn't get the rebound in either.

Jeff Carlisle: O..M..G.

Chris Jones: Okay, I'm out of here...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: DEMPSEY OFF THE POST!!!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Is this turning into the Bornstein show?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bornstein blocks a cross.

Luke Cyphers: Agreed.

Chris Jones: Rooney hits the post! England nearly up 2-0!

Jeff Carlisle: I have to say, Bornstein has been pretty solid so far.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bornstein tracks back well with Bougherra as Ziani played him into space on the right.

Jeff Carlisle: Meanwhile, in Port Elizabeth, it's still 1-0 England in the 55th minute.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: DeMerit loses the header to Djebbour but it skips harmlessly to Howard.

Luke Cyphers: True that, Jeff, but the Algerian midfield isn't closing down at all, giving lots of space. Putting pressure on their back line.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore is called for a foul as Halliche hung on his shirt until he fell over.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. has the ball now, and has for a little while.

Chris Jones: Prediction change time: I feel a U.S. goal in extra time for the miracle 1-0 win and the advance. Also, thousands of Americans dead from heart attacks.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Let me remind all of your, as if you need it, that with this score, the U.S. does not advance.

Jeff Carlisle: Algeria starting to come into the game, forcing a series of corners. Belhadj is also continuing to push forward, forcing Cherundolo to stay home a bit more.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The corner was headed back but Yebda, who towered over Edu, couldn't get it on target.

Luke Cyphers: Great defending there by Bradley and Feilhaber.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Belhadj on the run on the left, brought it back to Ziani who played it to Djebbour on the right, who was tackled by Failhaber and won a corner.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It must be said, on the earlier cross by Cherundolo (which one? that last one) Dempsey was knocked down in the box.

Luke Cyphers: Dempsey was down for a bit after an elbow from Boogie Woogie. But looks OK.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Feilhaber lets the ball skip away on the left.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Karma perhaps. Because a penalty could well have been given down.

Jeff Carlisle: DeMerit against Haliiche on corner kicks. Not sure I like that matchup.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. gets away.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Goal kick.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Halliche got his head to it as DeMerit yanked him to the ground.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Belhadj behind it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Another Cherundolo cross can't be headed on by the U.S.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to Algeria.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bornstein blocks an attack and gets it into Dempsey who feeds Edu on the right, but he wasn't quick enough to get to it.

Chris Jones: Sun going down here... Under lights.

Jeff Carlisle: Bolhi has looked very solid in the air in this game.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Short ball until Cherundolo is found on the right for a cross, which is plucked out of the air by M'Bolhi.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: But From Hopeful fan isn't prone to hyperbole.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Feilhaber is knocked down after getting the ball from Donovan. Free kick from 30 now.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Kadir fed an inch-perfect ball to Matmour, but he was offside. Matmour fluffed the finish anyway.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria had 53 percent of possession in the first half.

Chris Jones: You, too, Karl. Rock solid.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bornstein gets to the backline but his cross sails over.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're underway. The U.S. starts by Bradley heaving a ball to Altidore.

Chris Jones: Just cruising for compliments, Cyphers. Paul Grant's watching.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: 45 minutes of truth here, folks.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey will kick off with Donovan.

Luke Cyphers: That was really Bob Hope of you, Chris.

ESPN Stats and Info: Gomez off for the United States, just 10 touches in the first half...but 5 shots.

Jeff Carlisle: Wow. Gomez? I thought he did pretty well.

Chris Jones: Just want to say while we're still at break here, that all of us really enjoy doing Cover it Live. We especially like the returning favorites... Guy on 47th Floor, Fat Lady, Luke, Kyle, Adil... Thanks for watching with us, all of you.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Which also puts an end to the songs we've now heard about 40 times between the four of us.

Luke Cyphers: Nope. Looks like Gomez off, Clint moving up front.

Jeff Carlisle: Given the way that Cherundolo has been getting forward, the US has almost been playing 3-5-2 for a while.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Here come the players. Altidore leading the pack, interestingly.

Jeff Carlisle: Curious to see who Feilhaber is coming on for given that I thought all of the U.S. attacking players performed well, with guys like Donovan having very good halves.

Luke Cyphers: Looking like Benny coming on at the start of the half. He's peeled down to his jersey. If he's replacing Bornstein, likely to see 3-5-2, with Edu dropping to center back if US gets the lead.

Chris Jones: Karl, I'm sorry I can't post your comment, because it made me laugh really hard.

Chris Jones: Yay, Stats!

ESPN Stats and Info: Algeria has failed to score a single goal in their last four World Cup matches.

Chris Jones: I vote for Pedro. (Cult movie crossover!)

Chris Jones: Thanks Stats. Jeebers.

ESPN Stats and Info: The United States has never won at the World Cup when tied at the half. 0-2-3 all-time.

Chris Jones: Their game against England didn't have nearly the pace of U.S.-Slovenia. Sadly, I had to watch it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: But the way a baserunner is safe if he arrives at exactly the same time as the ball, if the players are exactly on the same line, the goal should stand.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I agree, Chris. I called it offside at first. But it really is preposterously close.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: For all those of you as mathematically challenged as I am, here's our live standings again: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/livetables?league=fifa.world&cc=3888

Chris Jones: Lots of debate here about whether the disallowed U.S. goal was on or offside. Looking more like a good goal upon reflection.

Chris Jones: I think stamina will be a big issue in the second half... The U.S. ran their guts out against Slovenia, and they're doing it again. They've been a second half team, but I think they need to do something early in the second half before they run out of gas.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A wise decision, I think. Distribution needs to improve a little. And they could use some action on the left, to get Dempsey more involved.

Luke Cyphers: Does US dare go three in the back? If so, when?

Luke Cyphers: Looks like Benny Feilhaber is out warming up.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: There are historians theorizing over what would have happened if he'd left it for Donovan. The consensus seems to be that it would have gone in.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I read about that once, Chris.

Chris Jones: Hey, do you guys remember when Altidore missed that WIDE OPEN NET?

Chris Jones: A tie is no good here.

Luke Cyphers: England and Slovenia through

Chris Jones: Exactly, Paul. We're all going home.

Paul Grant: If the scores remain the same as they are now ... never mind.

Luke Cyphers: 0-0

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Half-time.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long Belhadj cross to Djebbour in the box! Djebbour runs just underneath it!

MikeGriffin: Halftime in the other Group C match ... England 1, Slovenia 0.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's half-time over in Port Elizabeth with England ahead 1-0.

Luke Cyphers: Without an early goal.

Chris Jones: This half has flown by.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We'll have one minute of extra time here.

Chris Jones: I'm experiencing a massive posting delay. Even my computer is freaking out.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Edu intercepts a ball and tries to connect with Altidore, who didn't get in front of his man.

Luke Cyphers: What Jeff said.

Jeff Carlisle: DeMerit has come back nicely from a very shaky start.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yebda is called for a foul on Donovan who plays it quickly to Bornstein who cuts in and takes a hopelessly poor shot.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: DeMerit with excellent defensive work tracking down Matmour who had the ball on the left.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan feeds it to Bradley after Gomez does well to win it, but it's lost.

Chris Jones: Altidore would have been home free there... to put it over the net. Still not over it.

Jeff Carlisle: Bradley needs to control himself better there. Another flyby tackle sparked Ziani's run.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ziani now on a long run to his right. He gets a shot off but it darts away from the goal.

Luke Cyphers: It worked against England.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo again up on the right, slips it to Bradley on his left who sets up a shot by Dempsey, which is on target but not very dangerous.

Chris Jones: Nicely taken by M'Bolhi.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo gets the ball off Matmour, feeds a teammate who almost got Altidore into space.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: There he goes again, sending a high cross in that Gomez couldn't nick from in front of M'Bolhi's hands.

Luke Cyphers: And he's farming them.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo is really getting acres of space over on the right.

Chris Jones: Great game so far.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Both Dempsey and Altidore had really fat chances. Altidore's by far the lardiest.

Jeff Carlisle: So much for the thought that either team would sit back. Both teams have really gone after it.

Jeff Carlisle: I'd like to see some other players try to get on the end of Altidore's knockdowns. Gomez is the only other guy really hustling for them.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Let's hope the U.S. does not come to rue these missed chances.

Chris Jones: It's all he does, Leander. This is what he does.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I don't know, Chris. The replay showed an awful lot of movement on that ball.

Luke Cyphers: Altidore may lose some sleep tonight. Cherundolo and Donovan are absolutely punishing the Algerians' left side.

Chris Jones: Howard should have caught that.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to Algeria.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: His long shot wobbles and is punched away by Howard.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Matmour on the run now.

Chris Jones: Bradley again though... Playing very well. Altidore! Best chance of the game.

Jeff Carlisle: Wow. What a miss by Altidore. Great work once again by Cherundolo bombing up the right side.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: That really should have been a goal.

Chris Jones: Altidore! Should have left that for Donovan. Oh man, what a chance.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: SO CLOSE!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo is again allowed to soar up on the right, feed it into Donovan, who gets it back from Bradley, beats the keeper, lays it off for Altidore who blasts it over from an unmissable distance!!!!!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Both teams with serious chances now.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long Yebda ball sails to Howard.

Luke Cyphers: The U.S. attack looks gorgeous. Just can't finish

Chris Jones: Very nice pass by Donovan.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan set um up one-on-one with the goalie but his finish was just short.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Almost! Dempsey!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Matmour again got into the box but his cross found nobody.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He's covered well by Bocanegra and has to set sail the other way.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Belhadj to Djebbour on the run!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo and Donovan combined well on the right, before it found Bradley and was played in to Altidore. Who had no use for it.

Luke Cyphers: Cherundolo is creating a lot of problems on that side where Belhadj is creeping up.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo got a good cross in and Dempsey and Gomez both went for the header. It fell to Donovan who miss-hit it.

Luke Cyphers: Algeria is pressing more. Belhadj is forward most of the time now on the left.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I still stand behind my USA 1-0 ALG prediction.

Paul Grant: You can also follow live standings here: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/livetables?league=fifa.world

Chris Jones: For Captain Obvious: This game is really, really tense. One mistake might be all it takes. My tummy hurts!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Yebda cross is headed out by DeMerit.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: To our right some guys are trying to get the U-S-A chants going.

Chris Jones: Altidore might have passed to Gomez there, but it was tight.

Paul Grant: Latest from If the Scores Hold Dept.: England and Slovenia advance.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Headed away by Bocanegra. Altidore broke away on the other end but had nobody open to play it to and lost it on the dribble.

Luke Cyphers: Bocanegra is strong in the back so far.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Matmour with a long shot but it deflects and goes over. Corner to Algeria.

Chris Jones: Yes, scores won't matter. Wins, and they're both in. England seems to be taking care of their business...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria on the other end. Ziani curled it in to Djebbour but his lay-off went dangerously where nobody ended up being.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Gomez is knocked down going for the ball but gets no foul.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. still on the ball.

Jeff Carlisle: I like what Gomez has brought to the team so far. He's getting in good positions and helping out defensively as well.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: An Algerian cross sails into the Ameircan box from the back line but Bocanegra is there and controls it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bradley to Edu, but his through ball was well out of the reach of Altidore.

Chris Jones: England looking unexpectedly strong today. 61 percent of the possession in that game. This will be up the U.S. here. They're on their own, I suspect.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria gets Kaddir deep for a cross but Bocanegra blocks it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Over in Port Elizabeth, a Lampard shot goes just wide for England.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey is down.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Djebbour saw his shot blocked and a second shot is too.

Jeff Carlisle: Looking at a replay of the England goal, once again Handanovic does not cover himself in glory.

Chris Jones: We want to make Cover it Live our full-time gig. Especially for games like this one. Fantastic.

Luke Cyphers: Two good shots on goal for Gomez so far.

Chris Jones: Told you saw, Paulo.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore soars for a header but Gomez, who is playing a good game, couldn't follow up on it.

Chris Jones: No pressure, though.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: But it was headed over. Goal kick.

Chris Jones: England wins, the U.S. have to win to advance.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Belhadj with a great cross.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria now on the ball.

Jeff Carlisle: Make that the 22nd minute.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It really is. Rest assured, it will be broken down a million times more.

Jeff Carlisle: And from Port Elizabeth it's England 1, Slovenia 0. Defoe scoring in the 23rd minute.

Luke Cyphers: that's about as close as it gets.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He was offside by inches but I do believe it was the right call.

MikeGriffin: Defoe has scored for England!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sorry. Couldn't type quickly enough.

Luke Cyphers: Altidore is showing great touch, as well.

Jeff Carlisle: Altidore using his strength well and really going at people.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: On the other end, Djebbour almost got onto a cross.

Chris Jones: Bradley great job not giving up on the ball even when he was on the ground.

Jeff Carlisle: Very close. But it did look look like a good call.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: In the replay it seemed like the right call.

Chris Jones: Altidore comes up limping... Uh oh.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dempsey tapped it in at the second post after two straight shots by Gomez after Bradley was tackled (fairly) in the box. But he was offsides.

Luke Cyphers: That was close.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: OFFSIDES!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: NOOO!!!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Luckily a cross to Belhadj was a little high and he couldn't hold onto the ball.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria has the U.S. trapped well into its own half.

Luke Cyphers: Algeria is fun to watch in open spaces.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: From station to station it goes.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria on the ball.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan now on the run on the right, off to Edu, off to Dempsey, cross into the box. Cleared.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Right into the hands of Howard.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Free kick from 42 or so yards for Ziani.

Chris Jones: Like my coach said when we were five years old: You don't hit the net, you have a zero percent chance of scoring.

Luke Cyphers: Great turn by Altidore.

Jeff Carlisle: Boca has looked pretty solid in the middle so far, while Bornstein has looke iffy in terms of distribution. Not bad on the defensive side of things though.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore does well to bring down a ball and playing it on to Donovan. But in a four-against-four situation, Donovan blasted it over.

Chris Jones: You know, that was actually a creative attempt by Gomez. I liked that.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A great cross by Cherundolo reached Gomez at the second post but his scissor-kick went high.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long ball to Gomez didn't arrive.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ziani gets a shot off, weaving through traffic, but Bocanegra slid and blocked it.

Chris Jones: Make that 4.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Bornstein pass is intercepted by Yebda.

Chris Jones: Howard hollering at defense stat: Now 3 times.

Chris Jones: M'Bohli bobbled that ball in the air... He's definitely vulnerable up high.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bornstein gets a good read on a high ball and heads it away.

Paul Grant: Just saying.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long cross by Altidore is snagged on the second attempt by M'Bolhi.

Chris Jones: That ain't happening, Paul. Not in this game.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan twists past Belhadj but the quick back made it back in time to block him off. A fierce duel that might prove to be.

Paul Grant: Random stat: If the scores of both games stay 0-0, Slovenia and the U.S. advance.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The U.S. in possession now.

Chris Jones: Altidore out of training with a stomach ailment yesterday but seems okay today.

Luke Cyphers: That foul was against Altidore, who's already done quite a bit of work.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long shot by Yebda goes harmlessly wide.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good solution by the U.S. there, combining on a series of short passes to get out of trouble.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yebda gets a yellow for a foul on Edu.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It finds a fellow Algerian but his shot is off.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo does well to play Matmour off the ball after he got in the box. He did concede a corner though.

Chris Jones: I'm changing my prediction: 4-3. For somebody.

Luke Cyphers: U.S. also looking dangerous on the attack, however.

Chris Jones: Quite a dive by the Algerian there. Guy looked like he'd been stabbed, shot, and then shot again.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria is strong on the break-away, as expected.

Chris Jones: These guys can't get a read on the ball at all. Defense is missing everything.

Jeff Carlisle: I wonder if Bob Bradley would classify this as a slow start. The back four is at sea in the early going.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It went wide.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cherundolo lets a long kick slip under his boot again allowing Djebbour to get a shot off.

Luke Cyphers: Djebbour causing all sorts of problems.

Luke Cyphers: Jabulani does not come down.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Make that four feet.

Chris Jones: Ball is flying.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A good shot, but it was about a foot and a half over.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Altidore is fouled the free kick by Howard. The U.S. will not take it from a good 30 yards with Dempsey lining up for it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It might still be vibrating.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He controlled it on the chest and scissor-kicked it against the bar.

Jeff Carlisle: Better from DeMerit. He used his body well to fend off Matmour.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The shot was by Djebbour too.

Chris Jones: Oh baby, this game is going to be nuts. Very aggressive play by both teams.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: DeMerit is fouled by Djebbour on the run.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: M'Bolhi picks it off.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner by Donovan.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: On the other end, Gomez got a good shot on goal which was blocked for a corner.

Jeff Carlisle: DeMerit with a near catastrophic error there.

Chris Jones: Tim Howard is freaking out, rightfully.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long ball out of the back bounced past DeMerit and left a shot to Algeria!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: For Algeria!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: CROSSBAR!!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria connecting on tidy little passes.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan on the run but it was blocked.

Chris Jones: Wasn't even close to landing, you know, on the playing field.

Jeff Carlisle: The ref is Frank De Bleeckere from Belgium.

Luke Cyphers: Edu with an Aaaaiiirr Baaallll.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long ball by Edu sails out.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: As usual, Bradley is sitting very deep to help with buildup play.

Jeff Carlisle: Good recovery by Bornstein after initially getting torched by Yebda.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yebda blew past Bornstein but Bornstein got back in time to tackle him.

Chris Jones: I like Bradley to have a big game today.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cleared by Bradley.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: From just over the half-way line.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Free kick to Algeria.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Two teams feeling each other out here.

Jeff Carlisle: It looks like the rumors that Algeria would play three in the back were a dirty lie. Looks like Belhadj is playing left back to me.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: DeMerit wins a header.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bradley comes to collect the ball but a long ball sails over everyone.

Chris Jones: Leander's paranoid.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Plenty of helicopters circling over here. Thanks, Bill.

Luke Cyphers: Second Algerian touch taken by my favorite Fennecs player, Madjid "Bougie Woogie" Bougherra.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: His cross sails at M'Bolhi.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Donovan out on the right.

Chris Jones: Tim Howard yells at his defense for the time (and not last) time today.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: An Algerian shot by Matmour sails over. Surprise attack by Algeria here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This game is a go. It seems like the U.S. was surprised by how quickly it got started.

Chris Jones: Paul Grant, by the way, is our boss everybody. He knows what we're doing at work today... Unlike most of you.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I suppose it's hard to best a game in which you were on the bench.

Paul Grant: The tension is palpable here in the IBC, with many questions -- how many different ways will the users spell Leander's last name?

Luke Cyphers: Phil: Jonathan Bornstein.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: While the England-Slovenia game, which we're monitoring, also looks set to go.

Chris Jones: Dan, I think Bradley had to replace Gooch. Hate to say it, but he was at least partly culpable on all three goals the U.S. has allowed.

Jeff Carlisle: Onyewu needs to play better. Considering he's on the bench, I guess that counts as an improvement.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Yanks run out to their positions.

Chris Jones: Bad, for me, Paulo. I like Green, despite his error against the U.S... I really don't like England's chances today.

Paul Grant: David James -- good choice or bad choice?

Chris Jones: Still some seats available if you guys would like to come and join us... The stands at the end of the pitch are only half-full.

Chris Jones: I don't, but it's quite peppy.

Paul Grant: Who knows the words to the Algerian national anthem?

Chris Jones: Dempsey looked on the verge of tears there... Eyes closed, at least.

Chris Jones: Yes, we'll do our best.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Anthem!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Well, that's not entirely correct. He kissed his glove and then waved.

Jeff Carlisle: Defending better would help. The US has not kept a clean sheet the last ten times the first team has been available. Not sure Bornstein is the answer here, but we'll see.

I think a more aggressive attacking mindset would help as well. They need to get Donovan and Dempsey off the mark early.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Howard too waves to a section and blows a kiss.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: FIFA flags come out.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Shall we break down what has to happen for the U.S. to advance one more time, guys?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Here comes an American flag, barely making it over the camera stationed in front of the tunnel.

Chris Jones: There you go Jon. Now you can relax and watch this prosaic game of football.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Clapping for and waving to a section of American fans.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bob is on the loose.

Chris Jones: Welcome back from the dead, Guy.

Chris Jones: Thanks, Robin Williams.

Luke Cyphers: A couple of thoughts, while Chris sorts out his beautiful mind: Field looks pretty good. Looks like not allowing training sessions here yesterday was wise.
And Bornstein's inclusion, as my blog colleague Doug McIntyre points out, is an indication the U.S. wants to get forward, a point emphasized by the inclusion of Edu instead of Ricardo Clark.

Chris Jones: I do have hair on 94 percent of my body.

Jeff Carlisle: I have a fan base?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Lots of American flags, but I'm starting to fear there might be a bigger Algeria contingent here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This is a lovely stadium. A little snug, and a little old, but it looks like it'll foster a good atmosphere.

Jeff Carlisle: I'm hearing voices.

Chris Jones: No, I mean in my head. I can hear them in my head.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: There aren't any players on the field yet, Chris...

Chris Jones: Here come the anthems...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Permission granted by the Gamecast Grand Authority.

Chris Jones: I've been told I look like the fat dude when I have a beard. Some Spanish guys in Vegas insisted on taking a picture with me a few weeks ago.

I like to think I have more of a Brett Favre, out of playing shape, thing going.

Luke Cyphers: Leander Fu-Schnickens, In Da House!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: [Insert lame joke about writing them instead.]

Chris Jones: Luke, is that a euphemism?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I wouldn't know. I don't read rules.

Luke Cyphers: Leander, is there a rule on the back of the press pass that you haven't tried to circumvent?

Chris Jones: You're a strange man, Leander Alphabets.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Not only did he deregulate derivatives... he ruined my lunch.

Chris Jones: No joke: Security guard asked me if I had a bomb and was planning on killing innocent people. I said no, he let me in.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bill owes us some good luck. Because he was the reason I wasn't allowed to bring my chicken-mango salad that I'd gone to get from a local deli into the grounds.

Jeff Carlisle: You'd never know it by the security, Chris.

Chris Jones: Now a little Bob Marley. One love, everybody. One love.

Chris Jones: In other celebrity news, Bill Clinton will apparently be in attendance today.

Luke Cyphers: To clarify, I'm saying Yes to Chris, not to the goat reference.

Luke Cyphers: Yes, but as an artist, she's no Toto.

Chris Jones: She's a nice lady! How dare you!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Doesn't she sound like a goat?

Chris Jones: And here's Shakira... My manhood is reduced every time I'm bop my head, but I can't help it. Waka Waka!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Or is it the Algerians breaking out their rose water? (Sweets are eaten in celebration in the Arab world.)

Leander Schaerlaeckens: An omen?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This place has a very pleasant smell of fresh-cut flowers.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I don't think that's the only thing he's confused about.

Chris Jones: Great atmosphere here today. Lots of support for both teams. A U.S. fan wearing a Roethlisberger shirt... I think he's confused by the whole football/soccer thing.

Luke Cyphers: To clarify, that's 3-1 in favor of the U.S.

Jeff Carlisle: I say the score will be 1-1. We'll see if that is enough to advance.

Luke Cyphers: I'm feeling Confed Cup deja vu here. Third game, so a 3-1 victory.

Chris Jones: My conscience is now clear.

Jeff Carlisle: As for Algeria, I'm a little puzzled why Ghezzal isn't getting more playing time. We'll see if Djebbour can do the business.

Also, the pregame lineup sheet has Algeria lining up in a 3-6-1. Steve Sampson would be proud.

Chris Jones: I like the U.S. to win here, 2-1. I believe the former soccer power known as England will lose to Slovenia.

Slovenia and the U.S advance.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm going to be optimistic and say the U.S. takes it 1-0.

Luke Cyphers: Possibly another Bob Bradley calculation on Onyewu: He didn't turn around well after a good game against England, and there was even less time to recover from Slovenia. Now, if they get through, Gooch is fresher for the second round. A gamble, obviously.

Chris Jones: We might be a little light on comments today -- we're going to try to give you the best coverage of this game as we can, while also keeping an eye on England-Slovenia for you.

Chris Jones: Biggest note for Algeria: M'Bohli in goal for a second game after Chaouchi let in the howler against Slovenia. Chaouchi has an apparent "knee injury." In the game against England, M'Bohli seemed a little weak in the air. U.S. should try to float some balls into the box and see what happens.

Jeff Carlisle: Biggest surprise for me is that Onyewu is on the bench. Not saying he's played well - far from it - but it seemed as though the other options were equally unpalatable. To read the tea leaves in Bradley's thinking, I would guess that if Onyewu and Bornstein are at equal levels form-wise, mistakes out on the flank are easier to cover for than mistakes in the middle.

Clark and Edu are interchangeable, so not shocked Bradley went with Edu. Hopefully Edu has one of those days where his passing game is on.

I actually thought Gomez would get the nod over Buddle. The US needs at least some semblance of pace up top to create space underneath for Dempsey and Donovan.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria will play as follows:
Goalkeeper: Rais Bolhi
Defenders: Madjid Bougherra, Rafik Halliche and Anther Yahia
Midfielders: Hassan Yebda, Medi Lacen, Foued Kadir, Nadir Belhadj, Karim Matmour and Karim Ziani
Attackers: Rafik Djebbour

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Here are you lineups:

USA:
Goalkeeper: Tim Howard
Defenders: Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra and Jonathan Bornstein
Midfielders: Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu and Landon Donovan
Attackers: Herculez Gomez and Jozy Altidore

Chris Jones: The math is simple for the U.S.... They shouldn't be thinking anything other than, WIN, WE'RE IN.

Chris Jones: A beautiful day in Pretoria for what promises to be a great game.

Chris Jones: I'm here with Leander Alphabets, Jeff Carlisle, and Luke Cyphers.

Chris Jones: All right, we're all here and ready to go.

Chris Jones: Hello everybody. Is some kind of soccer game going on today?