United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann insists he is “very proud” of his team after they pushed Belgium all the way in their 2-1 World Cup defeat on Tuesday night.
Klinsmann’s side rode their luck for the majority of the game and they were helped by inspired goalkeeper Tim Howard. The Everton stopper made 16 saves in the contest as he tried to help his side salvage something from their last-16 tie.
Howard was eventually beaten in extra-time as goals from Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku fired the Red Devils into the lead. A late volley from Julian Green gave the USA some belief towards the end but they failed to find a way through and crashed out.
Despite exiting the tournament, Klinsmann has heaped praise on his team for their efforts.
He said: “What Tim played tonight was just phenomenal, outstanding – he kept us in that game for a long time. We are proud to have him with us.
“It was an absolutely amazing match tonight and you can give him the biggest compliment in the world.
“It’s a bummer for us ending on the losing side after a game of 120 minutes that gave everything to the fans, a real drama, a thriller.
“We we had enough possession to equalise that game at the end, but a big compliment to Belgium and congratulations to them.
“I’m very proud of our team. Every player on the field made their country proud with this performance in this World Cup.
“All of the players just went beyond their capabilities and I told them they should take a lot of very positive stuff back home with them.”
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