The match between Belgium and the USA ignited a lot of fans fervor at the Arena Fonte Nova. Chants can be heard all over the stadium coming not only from USA fans but also the locals as well. It seems like they have been infected by the charm of the underdogs and wishes them to win. Although the team did not win, their endeavor to work hard during the world cup opened a lot of windows of opportunity for football in the US.
According to USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann with regards to the match "It was a dramatic match. Belgium had more chances than we did but Tim Howard kept us in the game. The longer it went on the more opportunities we created though. Even after going 2-0 down we still hoped that we could get ourselves back in it if we got a goal, and that's what happened. We had a couple of really good chances in the last few minutes and that's where you hope that luck is on your side. Unfortunately that wasn't the case today. I congratulate Belgium on reaching the next round."
The 49 year old coach looked calm and collected amongst the chaos that is happening around him. He was happy with his decision in putting substitute Julian Green at the 105th minute as he was the only player for the US who was able to generate a goal at the last minute.
Green was asked about the match clearly disappointed "Football is definitely on the right track in the USA. I've seen a few pictures on television of the pubs and stadiums in America and it's fantastic to see so many people. I think the World Cup has been decisive in getting things going there. When I scored my goal I was so happy and I thought: 'now it's 2-1, we can still come back from this.' Unfortunately we weren't able to."
US midfielder was asked about his experience in the world cup in which he answered "We had a really good World Cup." He added "We showed a few countries who weren't expecting us to do well that they always need to give 100 per cent against us. We've got a young team and now it's up to the older players to try to lift them again. Losing is part of sport and unfortunately we experienced that today, but we'll bounce back. I'm absolutely sure of it. I hope football's standing has changed now. After the last World Cup the euphoria went a bit over the top but we've always said we're a team that can create a lot of hype."
It seems like football is here to stay for the US and more and more are getting hyped with this game.
