A History Lesson: Landon Donovan's 2010 World Cup Goal

This is the fist installment of what will become one of our recurring pieces here at The Captain's Armblog:
A History Lesson.

A History Lesson will feature a particular part of Footy History that we feel is relevant and timeless. It can feature players, club victories, title wins, goals, heroic moments, etc. Since today is the one year anniversary of this particularly historic moment, we felt it as an appropriate first piece.


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It was June 23, 2010.  After two draws in two matches, the United States were mere minutes away from elimination from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.  However, one minute into injury time, a save from Tim Howard put in motion a game-winning play.  With all of his might, Tim Howard flung the ball down field where it was picked up by Landon Donovan.  Following a speedy run and passes between Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, it was Donovan himself who struck it home.

This goal not only won USA the match 1-0, but it captured the imagination of an entire nation.  At least for another three days before they were eliminated by Ghana 2-1 in the knockout rounds.  But that's another story for another day.

Today we focus on that goal, as well as what that goal has come to represent.

During that time, America stood and took notice.  And it was about damn time.  That one goal changed not only changed American's perception of the sport, but it also changed Landon Donovan's perception of the sport.  For the longest time, Landon Donovan was known as the arrogant, shit-talking hothead who aired his dirty laundry with David Beckham (and this was just one effrontery), but with that strike it all seemed to melt away.  Donovan came out of that World Cup a changed man.  Maybe not 100% but it was enough to make a difference.  His reputation as an asset to the US Men's National team is likely to be cemented in USMNT's history forever.

Also included is the video of the reactions of those watching the game, and it's well worth a watch. It sends chills down the spine of anyone who supports The Stars and Stripes. You can still catch me getting drunk and watching these videos, weeping with joy from the memory.

And it all started with this one goal. (USA! USA! ... just kidding.)