One nation supporting a soccer team

The “do or die” match between USA and Belgium at the Football World Cup in Brazil unleashed madness across USA. Tens of thousands of soccer fans gthered in various place to watch the game. Even the activity at the White House was stopped, while president Barack Obama and his staff watched the match.

Belgium ended the American dream, but most probably, few will ever forget American's run at the quarter finals. From sports figures to Hollywood actors, everyone stopped working. NBA star Lebron James sent his wishes for the team, and Tom Hanks posted a photo of him and his family watching the game. Even the White House stood still as the match enfolded, while USA vice-president Joe Biden visited the team in the dressing room to with the players good luck.

Probably the biggest crowed gathered in one place to watch the game was Chicago. At Soldier Field (home of the Blackhawks) more than 28,000 people cheered for USA, but the same happened at Bryant Park in New York City, Boston, Washington City and many other places.

Despite going home after a good World Cup, Dempsey&co believe their performance could take soccer to a completely new level in the country. USA's goalkeeper was named by FIFA the man of the match after having 16 saves. “What Tim played tonight was phenomenal, outstanding, he kept us in that game for a long time. We are proud to have him with us,” said US's manager, Jurgen Klinsmann.

“I'm very prod of our team. Every player on the field made their country proud with this performance in this World Cup. All of the players went beyond their capabilities and I told them they should take a lot of very positive stuff back home with them,” Klinsman added.

USA qualified into the knockout stage of the World Cup out of a group containing Germany, Portugal and Ghana. No other goalkeeper recorded 16 saves in a single match at the World Cup since 1966 according to FIFA's statistics.