They started scattering Sunday to the United States and Europe, never to come together as a group again.

Grim-faced American players filed by one by one on their way out of Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Their World Cup was over.

The clock ticked into the 70th minute, and Tim Howard started to get anxious.

Tired of having to rally from early deficits, the United States aims to score first and make things less complicated when it take on Algeria in their decisive World Cup Group C match Wednesday.

The pattern is hard to miss: The United States falls behind by a goal or two, then tries to scramble back.

The U.S. is moving on, with no way to appeal the disallowed goal that would have given the Americans a lead in their 2-2 World Cup tie against Slovenia.

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek could see the harsh criticism coming. So he asked the traveling Slovenian media to hold back - at least until he's had a chance to explain over a few drinks how his squad squandered a chance to secure a spot in the second round of the World Cup.

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek could see the harsh criticism coming. So he asked the traveling Slovenian media to hold back - at least until he's had a chance to explain over a few drinks how his squad squandered a chance to secure a spot in the second round of the World Cup.

Maurice Edu kicked the ball into the net just before the 86th minute. American players jumped around wildly, thinking they had capped a historic comeback, turning a two-goal, first-half deficit into a 3-2 victory over Slovenia.

They played 62 games over four years just to get ready for the World Cup, convinced obsessive preparation and attention to detail would turn around their fortunes after a quick exit in 2006.

The day was sunny and bright, and so was the U.S. outlook.

Sixty years removed and 4,449 miles from a huge World Cup upset in Brazil, the U.S. and England finally meet again Saturday in a game that matters, a rematch in this year's World Cup opener for both teams.