But the US took top spot in Group C with an injury-time winner over Algeria, meaning England finished runners-up and Slovenia - who had begun the day on top of the table - were eliminated.
After accomplishing their do-or-die mission, England now face the winners of Group D, which contains Germany.
Jermain Defoe started for England in place of Emile Heskey in one of the biggest gambles of manager Capello’s career and the move paid dividends with the Tottenham striker’s 23rd minute volleyed goal. “This was the team which I loved to see in qualifying,” said Capello. “We played with freedom, our minds were free.”
An opening 1-1 draw with the United States followed by the lame goalless stalemate with Algeria had left England staring at the possibility of failing to progress from the group stage for the first time since 1958.
But England started brightly and Wayne Rooney raised the temperature when he raced onto a superb through ball and Slovenia’s defence had their work cut out to stop Steven Gerrard heading in his cross to the far post.
Capello had called for John Terry to put up a “big performance” after his failed mutiny and the Chelsea defender responded, making a robust intervention to rob Robert Ljubijankic of the ball beside David James’s near post.
England’s goal came from a superb high ball sent over by James Milner on the right wing for Defoe to volley past Slovenia keeper Samir Handanovic.
In almost a carbon copy move minutes later Milner crossed again, but this time Defoe’s shot was parried by Handanovic with Frank Lampard pouncing on the clearance only to fire over the bar.
It took a succession of fine saves from Handanovic to prevent England from doubling their lead as the Slovenia keeper kept out shots from Defoe and Gerrard.
Slovenia though gave them a scare in the 67th minute when Terry, Johnson and James combined to deny a trio of quickfire shots from Milivoje Novakovic, substitute Ziatko Dedic and Valter Birsa. Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole made his 2010 World Cup debut, coming on for Rooney, with Defoe later making way for Heskey.
US prevail over Algeria
Landon Donovan scored a goal seconds into stoppage time to give the US a dramatic 1-0 victory over Algeria in Pretoria, and hand the Americans a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Donovan, who matched a US record with his 11th World Cup appearance, set up the decisive move with a long pass to Jozy Altidore, who raced into the penalty area only for his shot to be blocked by Algerian goal-keeper Rasis Bolhi. Donovan, following up, blasted home the rebound for his fourth World Cup goal, equalling another US mark.
“We aren’t done yet. We had a bad decision against Slovenia [when a late goal was ruled out], but we are Americans. We get on with it, we don’t complain,” said Donovan.
England captain Steven Gerrard
“You are always anxious when you need to win, but we showed passion, quality and desire. We rolled up our sleeves and produced the goods. But we know that if we produce another performance like we did against Algeria, it’ll be our last.”
England striker Jermain Defoe
“The victory over Slovenia was more important than my goal. We came out fired up for the game and we passed the ball well and got the early goal. We’re through to the next round and that’s the important thing.”
Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek
“Of course we’re disappointed but I hope in time my players can focus on what they’ve achieved. I congratulate my team and England, I hope England win the World Cup. We could have got a draw, but sport is like that, very unpredictable.”
US midfielder Landon Donovan
“I’ve been on a long journey these last four years and today I am so stoked and proud. Algeria were pushing and we had to take the fight to them. Time felt like it stopped when I scored but I just couldn’t miss it from there.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 24th, 2010.
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