There were 3 matches on Day 8, with early favorite Germany facing Serbia, who desperately needed a win; Slovenia taking on the Americans and the England-Algeria match having a late kick-off.
After Spain crashed to a shock defeat against the Swiss, this result proved to be the 2nd upset in the tournament. Serbia had it all to do after their loss against Ghana and while their goal was a plucky finish by Milan Jovanovic (who disappeared into some dugout in his crazed celebration), they were left to thank their goalkeeper, Wigan Athletic custodian, Vladimir Stojkovic as he saved a penalty by Podolski. Granted, they had a man advantage after Miroslav Klose was sent off before half-time but still, Germany had all the chances, but couldn't equalize. With this win, Serbia join Ghana and Germany on 3 points and this group looks as tight as the group of death.
This was a pulsating game, not least the way USA came roaring back into match. Birsa opening the scoring early in the 1st half with a sumptuous long-range strike that left Tim Howard, USA 'keeper, utterly flatfooted and when Ljubijankic finished off in style just before half-time to put the Europeans 2-0 up, the USA were teetering dangerously. But, captain courageous Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley (son of head coach Bob) refused to take things lying down and squared things. Maurice Edu even thought he had snatched the game but the ref ruled the goal invalid for offside though replays have clearly shown that he was perfectly onside as he rushed to meet the freekick late in the 2nd half. With 4 points from 2 games, the fate of qualification is in Slovenia's hands while the USA will now have to defeat Algeria to make it to last 16.
This was an epic bore and fans of England were left frustrated and annoyed in equal measure at their team's impotency against a side that most of their national tabloids had regarded as easy meat. There was absolutely no cohesion, Rooney and Lampard ran like headless chicken throughout and if there was an award for putting 100% effort with 0% result, Emile Heskey would have won it hands down. Gerrard and Capello minced no words about the performance, but truth be told, playing Lampard and Gerrard together will be successful only in fantasy football, not in the real world. I'm not complaining though, since I've never liked England :D
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