USA out in round of 16

For the second consecutive World Cup the U.S has been eliminated in the round of 16.  After holding off an explosive Belgium squad in regulation, the U.S gave up the go ahead score in the 93rd minute.  Back in 2010 the Americans World Cup dreams were stalled by a goal in the 93rd minute against Ghana.  The U.S is still on the outside looking in on the elite futbol nations.


Jurgen Klinnsman was hired three years ago to take the U.S to another level.  After capturing their group in 2010 and pushing Ghana to extra time in the round of 16, the U.S believed 2014 could be their year.  The U.S was lucky to get to extra time.  They were outclassed for 90 minutes by a superior Belgium squad.  Belgium controlled the pace of the match with their talented midfielders.  The U.S is still two or three players away from truly competing with a squad such as Belgium.  Every time you advance in the World Cup the matches get tougher.

Tim Howard played one of the best matches of his career.  He broke a 50 year old World Cup record of 15 saves.  Howard was all over the place, barking at his defenders while making world class stops.  The greatest part of Howard's performance was his humility.  He was above criticizing his teammates during his post game interview.  He chose instead to congratulate his squad for fighting down the stretch.  Howard deserves to be moving on in this tournament.

Romelu Lukaku's insertion for extra time was a difference maker in Belgium's attack.  His on ball strength led to Belgium's first strike.  He added the second score on a magnificent pass from Kevin De Bruyne which proved to be the match winner

The U.S could have used Landon Donovan.  Klinnsman's decision to leave the most popular figure in U.S soccer off the squad proved costly.  Donovan's creativity and heart could have helped the U.S break a scoreless tie in regulation.  It was Donovan that scored the crucial go ahead score to get America through group stages in 2010.  The opportunities were there late.  U.S strikers simply failed to put the ball in the net.

The U.S deserves credit for not going down without a fight.  Julian Green became the youngest American to score a World Cup goal with a beautiful strike in the 107th minute.  The score gave the U.S hope in the matches waning moments.  Oddly enough, America was able to control the games pace in the last ten minutes, creating multiple scoring opportunities.  Anyone that thinks Belgium wasn't on the ropes is sadly mistaken.  However, the  push proved to be too late, as Belgium hung on for the 2-1 victory.  Green will play a huge role in U.S Soccer in years to come.

The U.S can take a great deal from their experience in Brazil.  It is apparent the squad still lacks depth at certain positions to create more opportunities early in matches.  Their opening group was considered this years " Group of Death".  Some may beg to differ.  They were 30 seconds away from cruising through group stages before Portugal scored the latest regulation goal in World Cup history.  After that things got a bit too difficult for the U.S. 

In 2018 The U.S will be back.  Hopefully this time they can get past the round of 16 and beyond.