There were contrasting emotions for the two Wolves players in the USA and Algeria squads at full time at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Wednesday afternoon.

As Marcus Hahnemann and Adlene Guedioura swapped shirts, it was the end of the road for one and onto the next stage for the other in the 2010 World Cup.

But while it was Guedioura wishing the Wolves goalkeeper 'good luck' as the USA made it through to the last 16, he admits both he and Algeria will have learned a lot from the South African experience to take forward on the international circuit.

"It was disappointing against the USA because I feel we could have won the game," Guedioura said after Landon Donovan's stoppage time winner.

"We've not managed to score in the competition but we had some good chances against America.

"It is disappointing to be going home but at the same time I think we did manage to show that Algeria can be a good team.

"Drawing against England was seen as a victory.

"England are one of the best teams in the world and so to get a draw against them made the Algerian people very happy.

"I think we have all learned from this World Cup and will take those experiences away with us.

"Hopefully it is something that will make us stronger at the next World Cup."

Guedioura embraced his Molineux team-mate at full time and admitted:  "I saw Marcus after the game and we had a talk and swapped shirts.

"I am pleased for him and wished him good luck for the rest of the World Cup."

There were three appearances from the bench for the midfielder who can now enjoy a short break before returning to Wolves in readiness for his first full season at Molineux.

Hahnemann meanwhile remains as deputy for the USA to the in-form Tim Howard, but still in the competition and with a last 16 tie with Ghana to look forward to tomorrow evening.

And all this after a post-match visit from none other than former US President Bill Clinton.

"It was quite special in the dressing room after the game," he revealed.

"And the way it happened as well - scoring in the last minute - it was all a bit crazy!

"Bill Clinton has been giving us huge support and is trying to get the cup back to America in 2018 or 2022.

"He was in there as well and it was all just unbelievable.

"The Vice-President came out for the opening game as well and to have that support is tremendous.

"To win the group as well just puts an extra stamp on it."

Hahnemann had joked before departing that England would be alright "after losing to America" because they would still have two games left to put things right.

And while it infact turned out to be a draw in the opening game, it was USA who finished up topping the group by virtue of scoring more goals.

"It's great to finish above England especially considering all the text messages I had before the England game," added Hahnemann.

"They've all stopped since then!

"It's truly remarkable.

"It does give us an advantage in terms of being able to stay where we are staying because the hotel is nice and we've got a good set-up.

"I'd have liked to have played either Serbia - because Nenad (Milijaš) is with them - or Germany - because my parents are from Hamburg.

"But I'm just delighted we're still in the competition - I'm not ready to go home just yet!"

And the way the Americans are playing, particularly with a never-say-die spirit that has seen them twice draw when going behind, Hahnemann believes their run can continue.

"There is a great spirit in the American squad, we've always had that," he said.

"It helps drive us on and will do again for the next game.

"It was so disappointing not to get out of the group stages at the last World Cup so we're just super happy to have done it this time and to have topped the group as well."