USA star Landon Donovan understands what is required from the team if they are to achieve qualification to the next phase of the World Cup. The LA Galaxy forward knows the magnitude of the clash with Algeria in Pretoria on Wednesday and said the squad is preparing accordingly.

"We're obviously aware of what each result means. Clearly, if we lose we're done and if we win we're through," he said. "There are scenarios where if we tie we could still advance, but at this point our objective is very clear. It's to win the game and take all the other stuff out of the question, and that's our goal."

The US needed a win in their final group match in the 2006 tournament in Germany but failed to do so against Ghana and Donovan says the side is now better prepared for such a situation.

"I hadn't thought about comparisons to the Ghana game," he added. "Perhaps it is. I said earlier in the tournament that in the two World Cups I'd been a part of, we hadn't strung together three consecutive good results and good performances. I think this team has the experience and the ability to do that. We'll find out on Wednesday night, but I think we're as prepared as we can be for what's ahead of us on Wednesday."