Belgium holds on to beat U.S. 2-1 in extra time

A good win by the better team. But the man of the match has to be Tim Howard. He was nearly impregnable. And a very exciting finish by the U.S., who came this close to putting the match even at the end.

I agree. I'm sad, but I'm happy we got this far and I was very happy to see more and more Americans opening up to the sport and actually liking it. This is great for US soccer. I sincerely hope the sport grows and gains in popularity. With this growing enthusiasm in the country, that will bring more light and interest to the sport and give hope and rise to even better and more competitive players in the future. It was a long shot, but we tried and we gave it our all and gave Germany a hard time as well as the Belgium's, that should speak volumes. But Belgium played better, that's all there is too it, tough team, had very good players. But for the US, the celebrity spotlight should be on Howard amazing goalkeeper without a doubt, he held the fort down and did his best. The man has got my praise for sure. They may be out, but they'll be back again.

The USA? GREAT team. Wish some other more established teams showed an an OUNCE of their courage. A bit more quality and BOOM they're through. Time will bring it and any person supporting them can be VERY proud of this team .... Their energy levels, their desire, their dedication and their refusal to give up were simply astonishing.

I heard this remark on Twitter and I believe it's true.

"75% of the planet is covered by water. The other 25% is covered by Tim Howard"

There are some teams that are just spectacular to watch and then there are teams like the U.S. that make you FEEL for them. We could see these guys playing with all they had in them. That kind of effort and dedication earns respect They won over fans even in a losing effort.

Over the decades soccer has been questioned for it's sincerity and fairness.

I believe the goal line technology and some instant replay is helping the sport. Americans are getting behind it.. We want a fair match. When you see a fair match you get honest responses like the ones above. Belgium was the better team.

It would have been nice to see the U.S go up. Everybody loves something unpredictable.

Finally, Tim Howard.....yeah. I'll put his name in the same sentence as Oliver Kahn. That was some excellent goalkeeping.

Great game and the US can be proud of their effort and Tim Howard was outstanding.

Tim Howard was phenomenal ! Nothing to be ashamed about ! Thanks for the memories, Team USA !

Tim Howard's performance will go down in world soccer history. Congrats to Tim and everyone at Team USA -- y'all proved that Team USA is not just a good team, but rather a great team in this tournament.

Sad to see the US team exit but yes, Belgium was the better team. Echo John Becker...Howard was the player of the game...he sure earned his keep tonight! Go USA Soccer...don't mind what Ann C says.

such a shame, I really wanted the USA to go through. OH well, keep training and we will see you again in 4 years :)

What a boring game, it was as if they were still playing the group stage and both were already qualified.

Daisan, quite a contrarian aren't you?

This was an excellent game particularly from the second half onwards. The lack of goals in ordianry time was not down to a lacklustre performance but some brilliant defending by both sides.

This was one of the best games so far, described by the UK's Guardian as "thrilling", the BBC as "brilliant and breathless". I guess we are all entitled to our own opinions...

Well played both teams. Great game for the neutral. A great example of what the World Cup is all about.

Yep. I'm an American fan, but Belgium was clearly the better team. Too bad Mexico didn't advance as they were the better team, too.

I'm NOT complaining, Im just glad they got that far. It could have been worse, think about that for a moment.

I was devastated and heartbroken at the final whistle, but those feelings were replaced very soon after by immense pride at the effort the USMNT and the way they had played up until the last second. Simply heroic. It's no surprise how they've won over legions of new fans both at home and abroad with this World Cup. Commentator Ian Darke couldn't have put it better in the final minutes of overtime as USA struggled in vain for an equalizer, "If the US are going out, they're going out on their shield."

Despite Belgium being the better team overall, I thought the US played generally very well, albeit a bit naive in the second half. I know Belgium are a dark horse, but they're not the best team in the world. Tim having had to save so many chances for Belgium seemed a bit foolish. Up front the US were missing a bit of fire power. Hopefully some young players can step up over the next few years and give the US that extra bit up front they need to be able to reach a quarter or even semifinal, while tightening up at the back.

Overall good tournament with plenty of positives to take from. The US games made the world cup that much more spectacular I guess. Looking forward to Belgium - Argentina. Here's hoping Belgium make it through to the semis, they're a very good side.

USA team has never say die attitude. It is admirable for their commitment, hunger and passion for the game. The loss was the fault of Coach decision for not putting right players in the right place of the die hard tournament. Some players sitting on the bench were fearless warriors before.

Before Germany hired Klinsman for 2006 WC, German national team was a runner up in 2002 WC. Since Germany adopted his style and idea, Germany has never moved beyond from Semi finalists for all major tournaments. If his contract has expired, it is time to move on with better and brighter Coach.

Someone actually did a little edit on Wikipedia after the game.... for a short time, Tim Howard was installed as U.S. Secretary of Defense.

http://www.cbssports.com/world-cup/eye-on-world-cup/24604042/tim-howard-momentarily-named-secretary-of-defense-on-wikipedia

if it weren't for howard, the game would have been over in regular time. he made quite a few impressive saves throughout the match. belgium controlled the match and deserved to win. now, i'll be rooting for costa rica. tired of seeing europe and the SA powerhouses winning the world cup.

It was a tough game to lose because I thought Belgium was beatable. They had a great defense and there was just no spark in the U.S. offense over the past 3 games. I really hope there is a new crop of U.S. stars in the making because a lot of the best players will be in their mid to late 30s by the time the next World Cup comes around. I would love Klinnsman to be back if possible.

BTW, Belgium will lose 3-1 against Argentina.

Klinsmann for President............Tim Howard for Sec. Def.

Although Belgium were the better team, USA would have won it if not for that incredible miss by Wondolowski just before extra time. Not offside despite what the commentators were saying.

Too bad the US went out.

Green pulled one back in the 107th minute with a sterling volley on the turn that Thibaut Courtois could only touch before he saw it fly into his net

That goal was lightening and spectacular. USA has many creative strikers. I guess most of them sitting on sideline because of Coach. If Demsey and Green attack combined earlier, there will be more cracks from Belgium defense.

I watched Belgium vs Tim Howard featuring the USA. What did you watch? It was an excellent match, and I was on the edge of my seat on every shot.

Good job USA. I wouldn't mind seeing Belgium win it all, now though, instead of yawwwwn Brazil.

As a seasoned World Cup neutral (from Scotland), I found it a strange game. I imagine Belgium fans were frustrated with their forwards. Complete domination in the second half but they were unable to score. And while Howard played a stormer, Belgium's shots on goal were pretty mundane. I can understand US fans picking out Howard for praise, but I imagine many are wondering why the rest of the team were so bad in the second half. Belgium should have won by about five goals. I think both teams have things to worry about.

techall

The top performers for both teams play for Everton in the premire league....what are the odds!

You meant Chelsea, not Everton...

Since Belgium lost to Argentina, I really wish that the USA had beaten them.

The US has 4,187,000 registered players.

Belgium has 443,000.

Congratultions Belgium!

USA team was just so great I guess European succor teams, especially British and Spanish teams are now working hard to get players from America.

The top performers for both teams play for Everton in the premire league....what are the odds!

If only the American players played from the beginning as hard as they did in the last 10 minutes, I guess the better team won so it's all good

Ah, no more will we hear the cries of "yoo ess ay!" at the tournament.

Thanks Belgium... nice one ^_^

What a boring game, it was as if they were still playing the group stage and both were already qualified. Belgium needed just a little luck to avoid going to the extra time. The US really lacked a player like Donovan, even if he wasn't 100% fit, most stars in other teams aren't either anyway, bad decision from Klinsman but of course easy to say that now.