24 Jun 2010

England, US through to World Cup second round

6:24 am on 24 June 2010

England have beaten the World Cup's smallest nation Slovenia to squeeze into the knockout stage, and they've been joined by the United States who scored a last gasp goal against Algeria.

The United States captain Landon Donovan struck in the second minute of injury time and their 1-nil win game them top place in group C.

Donovan's late strike was a shattering blow for Slovenia who lost 1-nil to England this morning, but would have gone through if the US-Algeria match had remained scoreless for another few seconds.

The England striker Jermain Defoe, brought in as part of a team shakeup by manager Fabio Capello, scored the match winner against Slovenia in the 23rd minute.

England's relieved players hugged on the pich at the end in a public show of unity after reports of dissent in the camp.

Group D is also being decided this morning with Germany playing Africa's best remaining hope Ghana, and Australia playing Serbia.