Donovan's reputation as the pin-up boy of U.S. soccer was reinforced as he touched home the ball in the 91st minute after setting up the attacking move that culminated in the winner.
Wave after wave of attack in the closing stages made for a frantic finish and Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld, packed with large contingents of U.S. and Algerian supporters, erupted into near pandemonium when the Algerian goal was finally breached.
He passed right to Jozy Altidore, who hit a square ball into the penalty area where Clint Dempsey's effort was smothered by Algerian goalkeeper Rais Ouhed Mbouli, only for Donovan to snatch up the loose ball and score.
"Sometimes you have games like this when you have a lot of chances and they don't go in. The only thing you can do is to keep going," said Donovan before breaking down after a question about the emotions he felt as the winner hit the net.
"I've been through a lot in the last four years," he said in a reference to the criticism he received after the United States were eliminated early at the last World Cup and his divorce last year from his actress wife.
Coach Bob Bradley praised the attacking enterprise of both teams but reserved effusive praise for the Americans fans. "It is not often you see them lining up on the road before the game, all dressed up and chanting and banging on the bus," he said.
"That was a really special moment for the team."
