England and the United States qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup from Group C on Wednesday, but the US won the group with a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Algeria.

United States' Landon Donovan, front left, celebrates after scoring a goal with fellow team members United States' Clint Dempsey, back left, and United States' Edson Buddle, front right, during the World Cup group C soccer match between the United States and Algeria at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, June 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

A volley from Jermain Defoe gave England a hard-fought 1-0 win over Slovenia, but the the United States pipped England to the top spot when Landon Donovan scored one minute into stoppage time.

Until then, Slovenia had been on course to qualify with England, but Donovan's goal crushed their hopes and left the Americans top of the group by virtue of having scored four goals to England's two.

It means England's opponents in the last 16 could be Germany, who face a battle to finish top of Group D later Wednesday.

In Port Elizabeth, Defoe volleyed England into the lead from a pinpoint James Milner cross in the 23rd minute.

In the second half, Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic had to be sharp to save from a powerful John Terry header.

Wayne Rooney hit the post after Handanoviuc got his fingertips to the England striker's shot, but he was later substituted to make way for Joe Cole as England tried to play more defensively.

In Pretoria, watched by former US president Bill Clinton, the United States poached victory after wasting a number of chances.

Algeria were first to threaten when Rafik Djebbour crashed a shot off the crossbar in the fifth minute.

Clint Dempsey had the ball in the net but it was disallowed for offside in what appeared a debatable decision - not the first time the Americans have had a goal ruled out in the tournament.

Jozy Altidore blasted over the crossbar from just yards away, his shocked reaction speaking volumes.

And Dempsey hit the post in the 57th minute and fluffed the rebound.

But Donovan popped up to complete the victory, firing home a rebound from Jozy Altidore's saved shot, sending the American bench into joyous celebrations.

Source:dantri