It was a good run

World Cup soccer in Brazil moves on after the disappointment that the U.S. team's run is over. This level of soccer is incredible to watch even if our national team isn't in the final stages of the tournament. Most of us won't be skipping work to see the games now, but most soccer fans will still watch and follow the rest of the play. Although the Americans did not advance past the Round of 16 against Belgium, it was still a successful World Cup performance for the U.S., considering that by lottery pick they were placed in the so-called "group of death." I think that Belgium may be the team to win the whole thing.

Okay now, let's get to the game itself. For the entire 90-minute regulation game our goalie Tim Howard was amazing. He made a World Cup record 16 saves. All three goals in the game were scored in overtime. The U.S. offense did not have many chances to score, but they were quality opportunities nevertheless.

With a few seconds of regulation time left, we missed winning 1-0 by a foot or so. When Belgium scored two goals in the beginning of extra time, the U.S. team did not give up. Nineteen-year old Julian Green, a late substitute in the game, scored a goal on his first touch of the ball just minutes after Belgium's second goal to keep them in the game, and Clint Dempsey almost scored in the last few minutes ,which would have forced the game into penalty kicks.

I hope more people continue to pay attention to "the beautiful game" of soccer after this World Cup tournament is over.

I will get back to tennis, golf and baseball next week.