Landon Donovan swooped into the hearts of Americans yesterday with a spectacular extra-minutes goal that sent Team USA into the World Cup’s next round and the Big Apple into a frenzy.
Soccer fans all over the city rejoiced in the morning glory — erupting from bars and restaurants where they soaked up the action while downing coffees and beers instead of heading to work.
“It was a great last-minute effort and we did it. I knew we would come back with a vengeance,” exclaimed Nevada Smiths viewer Karim Simmons, whose face was painted red, white, and blue. “What a nail-biter!”
The 1-0 victory over Algeria gave Team USA its first World Cup group win since 1930 and erased the frustration over questionable calls by refs that have tormented American players and fans.
The United States will face Ghana on Saturday.
Michael Gentile, 35, a banker from the Upper East Side, said that he could not stop pacing in the packed Manchester Pub on Second Avenue.
“The whole game was frustrating,” he said. “It would have been heartbreaking if they didn’t score. You have to keep he faith. They deserved to win this.”
Jake Furst, 27, had just returned home from watching the soccer tournament in person.
“We were at the England-USA game, but to score at the 92nd minute — nothing beats it,” he said.