The United States lost to Germany but still managed to qualify for the round of 16. With a match against Belgium around the corner, USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann said his team could still do better and would be ready for the second round.
USA gave up one goal Thursday against Germany in a 1-0 loss. Despite the defeat, Portugal's 2-1 win against Ghana was enough to send the Americans to the second round of the World Cup to meet Belgium.
"Obviously it's a huge achievement by our team to come through that group and qualify for the knockout stage," Klinsmann said after Thursday's match, via ESPN. "We take a couple of good things with us and whoever we face we're going to take it to them. Now we really get started. Once the group is done, another tournament actually starts because the knockout stage is a completely different ballgame. So we can't wait to get that started next week."
Not many predicted the United States to qualify out of Group G, which was dubbed the "Group of Death." Klinsmann admitted his squad still has some work to do ahead of next week.
"Well, that we still can do better," Klinsmann said when asked what message he would tell the team after the Germany match. "We got through the group, but we have to do better in the round of 16, and we will do better."
The United States has surpassed expectations. They defeated Ghana, tied against Portugal and played a competitive match against Germany, one of the world's top teams.
With the three games now under their belt, USA goaltender Tim Howard is confident the Americans can continue to impress.
"Proud of the group, we still got a lot left in us," Howard said. "I thought we played well throughout the group."
