Pretoria — Algeria exited the World Cup in Pretoria on Wednesday but almost took a major scalp with them, conceding in stoppage time at the end of their match against the United States to go down in the most dramatic fashion.

It meant the Algerians finished last in Group C. The USA won the section and, with England, will go through to the knockout stage.

A Landon Donovan goal one minute into stoppage time ensured a memorable finish to a game of high drama that increased in tempo as both sides desperately sought a much-needed victory.

The match was always going to be harder for the Algerians, who needed to win by two goals but who squandered all of their limited chances.

But a stout defensive performance kept out increasing waves of American attacks, until goalkeeper Rais M'bohli was unable to hold onto Clint Demspey's effort and Donovan snuck in to score the winner.

The Americans had come desperately close before but looked to be at the end of their tether as chance after chance failed to go in.

Algeria might well have stolen a first World Cup win but their first goal of the tournament failed to materialise despite the best efforts of Rafik Djebbour and Karim Matmour.

Djebour struck the crossbar after just six minutes in the closest effort for the north Africans, who are now the fourth African side out of the World Cup in a calamitous tournament for the continent.

The Americans had an effort ruled offside in the 21st minute with Dempsey just marginally off after being set up by Donovan.

The pairing had the Algerian defence on the back foot for much of the game but M'bohli, making only his third appearance for Algeria, kept them at bay right until the end.

Just at half time, Matmour squandered a good chance but should have been flagged offside.

The 0-1 loss means Algeria have now gone seven games without scoring in open play. Their only goal since the African Nations Cup finals in January has come from the penalty spot, in a warm-up match against the United Arab Emirates.