Pretoria — Algeria’s inability to find the back of the net at the World Cup means they are headed home after the first round but they did play a significant part in the one of the most exciting games at the World Cup to date.

Defeat by the Americans at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Wednesday came after a pulsating finish that culminated with a last-gasp goal from Landon Donovan.

It meant that the Algerians went home without scoring and finished bottom of their group, but they did not look particularly upset with the outcome, reflecting a realistic sense of their potential in a tough group.

It was always going to be a long shot for a country who had surprised by reaching the finals in South Africa.

Their lack of goals in recent years has been their Achilles’ heel and it was evident again at the World Cup, where the closest they came was when Rafik Djebbour hit the upright after just six minutes of the game.

Algeria did have other chances, which they squandered, but in truth the Americans threatened at times to overwhelm them.
However, stout defending, which has improved vastly over the last months, and the form of new goalkeeper Rais Mbouli kept Algeria in the game until right at the end, when Donovan grabbed the dramatic winner, setting off a wave of emotional American celebrations.

A highlight of the trip to South Africa for Algeria will have been the 0-0 draw with England in Cape Town last Friday, a result to savour for the north Africans even if England are not the form team they were made out to be during the qualifiers.

Coach Rabah Saadane said: “We didn’t expect miracles at the World Cup, but we are satisfied despite going out.

“We’ve learnt a great deal and acquired a lot of experience. It’s a step-by-step process.”

“Our attacking sector needs more effort. We have to seek some new players to help find a solution,” added the coach.

Algeria now look ahead to the impending start of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they share the same group with neighbours Morocco.