Watch CBS News

9 Things U.S. Team Fans Will Miss After Their World Cup Exit

By Chris Kral

For U.S. soccer fans, the defeat was crushing. After a brilliant run in the 'Group of Death' and advancing to the Round of 16, the U.S. team was eliminated from the World Cup.

Belgium defeated the U.S. 2-1 in full time and deflated the American hype and furor around our new favorite sport-of-the-moment. Although we won't see the USMNT contend for the title, good times and camaraderie were had by all.

Here's 9 things U.S. fans will miss after their World Cup exit:

9. Viewing Parties - Soldier Field in Chicago Fans watch overtime play at Soldier Field between Belgium and the USA. Organizers said 28,000 people attended the watch party at Soldier Field.  (credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images) Fans watch overtime play at Soldier Field between Belgium and the USA. Organizers said 28,000 people attended the watch party at Soldier Field. (credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)Because we love parties. #America

8. Jurgen Being Jurgen Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann of the United States (credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann of the United States (credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)Need I say more?

7. Pitch Invaders Pitch invader during a Round of 16 football match between Belgium and USA (credit: FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images)Pitch invader during a Round of 16 football match between Belgium and USA (credit: FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images)This guy...who pretended to be handicapped to get closer to the pitch.

6. USMNT's official 'excuse to miss work' letter

Legit. This worked for everyone, right?

5. Character fans...Teddy Roosevelt?

Zen Monkeys
(credit: thezenmonkeys.com)

A+ for creativity.

4. The hype #IBelieve

One Nation, united by a hashtag...

3. Optimism any time Clint Dempsey had the ball US forward and captain Clint Dempsey (credit: MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images)US forward and captain Clint Dempsey (credit: MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images)In Dempsey We Trust.

2. Tim Howard

Della Notte Ristorante
(credit: dellanotte.com)

Here's a video compilation of Tim Howard's record 16 saves in the USA-Belgium match:

:::Drops mic:::

1. Unity of a Nation

ricfield
Rockfield Park is a field designed for wheelchair and disabled individuals.

Because everyone loves being around people rooting for the same team.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.