Wednesday, the United States advanced to the World Cup round of 16 after defeating Algeria 1-0.  In desperate need of a goal,  Landon Donovan netted a miraculous shot in minute 91 of the match. On the verge of elimination, Donovan’s late game composure resulted in a perfectly placed follow of a Rais M’Bolhi save.

This victory earned the US first place in Group C.  The team finished with a 1-0-2 record during the event’s opening round of play.  2010 marks the first time since the inaugural World Cup of 1930 that the United States finished first in their assigned group.  

The Red, White & Blue will face Ghana, Saturday at 2:30 PM ET on ABC.

The 28-year old Donovan is the current face of US Soccer and maybe the most recognizable American player in history.  The Southern California native was born in Ontario and raised in nearby Redlands, California. Wednesday’s goal was Donovan’s second of this World Cup and fourth ever in World Cup play.  He has netted a total of 44 goals while representing the United States in international competition.

The Manhattan Beach, California resident appears to have accepted his role as the current ambassador of United States Soccer.  Included in this responsibility is the all important interaction with soccer’s youngest and most impressionable fans.

Below is a piece of video exhibiting this situation.  The setting is Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, during a United States National Team workout.  Two very lucky kids have the time of their life kicking balls around with Donovan and former US goalkeeper Kasey Keller.