The US gave a tremendous performance yesterday. Lest we forget, Manaus is football hell for teams that do anything except play at a walking pace. Just finishing the match was a great performance! And coming so close to victory should be something to be immensely proud about. In many ways, victory isn't the thing.
I know Americans often criticise football because there are fewer goals than in basketball, say. But it's the tension that counts. I think the large number of folks watching are seeing why people enjoy the game so much around the world. It was tenterhooks until the end.
Folks should be proud of this US team. I hope they continue to be even when they eventually lose. The WC teaches a wonderful thing: any country can win but there's no shame in losing so long as you try as hard as you can. And this US team is trying like crazy. Really reveals a different thing about the US character which I like. US as determined underdog. There's glory in the way you try as much as in the result.