JOHANNESBURG,  (Reuters) – England and Germany  squeezed into the second round of the World Cup yesterday together with the United States but Australia went out despite a victory that paradoxically saved Africa’s chances.

Ghana, the continent’s last real hope, lost 1-0 to Germany  after a thundering 60th minute strike by Mesut Ozil, but  finished second in Group D thanks to the Socceroos convincing  2-1 victory over Serbia.

Two half brothers faced each other for the first time at a  World Cup when Kevin-Prince Boateng played for Ghana and Jerome  Boateng for Germany.

England finally found some of their form to beat a feisty  Slovenia, who saw their chance of qualification from Group C  agonisingly stolen at the last moment by a U.S. goal by Landon  Donovan in injury time against Algeria.

The last gasp U.S. victory sparked scenes of joy in Pretoria  among American fans and gave them first place in the group over  England.

“I’m just shocked and so proud of our guys… unbelievable,”  midfielder Donovan said. He broke down in tears in the  post-match press conference and former President Bill Clinton  went to the changing room to congratulate the players, telling  them they had shown the American spirit.

The result put Algeria out — another disappointment in  Africa’s poor showing at the continent’s first World Cup.

Donovan’s late goal was also a tragedy for Slovenia, the  tournament’s smallest nation with a population of just over two  million, who would otherwise have gone through.

As fellow European power France flew home after a shameful  first-round exit, England finally played with determination  against a feisty Slovenia after two dismal draws from their  opening matches. The players expressed relief and said their  World Cup ambition had been revived.       ENGLAND SMILE AT LAST

Striker Jermain Defoe, brought in as part of a team shakeup  by manager Fabio Capello, connected with a James Milner cross in  the 23rd minute to notch a goal and give some relief to the  hordes of English supporters in Port Elizabeth.

But although England looked better, they never seemed as  slick as the Latin American teams who have dominated the  tournament, led by Brazil and Argentina.

Capello, whose habitual frown finally turned to a smile,  said the result should lift the pressure on his players.