USA Eliminated From World Cup After 2-1 Loss to Belgium

The United State men's national team has been eliminated from the World Cup as they were unable to mount a late comeback in extra time and fell to Belgium by a final score of 2-1.  USA goalie Tim Howard (pictured on the right) had one of the most impressive performances in World Cup history even though his team was eliminated.  Howard stopped 16 shots on goal and was the main reason that the Americans kept the match as close as they did.

Belgium would finally break through in extra as they would score two quick goals to take the lead.  But then a flash of offense, as Michael Bradley sent a beautiful ball over the Belgium defense to 19-year-old Julian Green, who volleyed it in for a goal.  It was the first time Green has been on the field in Brazil.  The attack was on for the final 15 minutes or so, but the Americans just couldn't get the equalizer, despite coming ridiculously close.  The best chance came on a free kick play, when Bradley played the ball to Clint Dempsey's, whose touch was just a bit too firm, allowing Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois to block any shot attempt.

With the loss, the United State has now been eliminated in their first match of the knockout round for the second consecutive World Cup.  They were beaten by Ghana in 2010 at the same point.