For most US men’s national team fans, Ian Darke’s goosebumps-inducing call is etched in their brains as Landon Donovan scored a 91st-minute game-winner against Algeria at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“Dempsey is denied again, and Donovan has scored,” Darke began. “Oh, can you believe this?! Goal, goal USA – certainly through. Oh, it’s incredible! You could not write a script like this!”
Now, that moment comes to FS1 Monday at 7:30 pm ET for a trip down memory lane. For some background: The US had tied both Slovenia and England, and three points would send them straight to the knockout round. That goal – one that started with Tim Howard’s distribution and carried through Clint Dempsey’s doorstep denial before Donovan punched home – sent the country into celebration. Not only had the USMNT beaten Algeria, they topped Group C and a quarterfinal spot awaited.
In memory of that legendary moment from South Africa, U.S. Soccer has been releasing first-hand accounts from players, including Donovan:
Howard also voiced his perspective, knowing a loss would have sent the USMNT home.
It’s also worth checking out Matt Pentz’s oral history on The Athletic, or even re-living the highlight itself in English or Spanish. There’s also the global reaction, with one strike flipping sadness into euphoric disbelief.
