Advance to the final tournament world cup nothing new for US. But Americans usually run away there quickly.
Wednesday’s game Bosnia and Herzegovina The tournament, held in Santa Clara, California, marks the eighth time in 12 World Cups that the United States has appeared in the qualifying round. However, the Americans have only won a match in the knockout round once, in 2002.
This year’s tournament has expanded to 48 teams, so the first knockout round will include 32 teams and an additional round of repechage.
Here’s a look at the United States’ short and largely unsuccessful record after the World Cup reached the win-or-home stage.
Uruguay, 1930: Semi-finals
The first World Cup was held with 13 teams, with the United States advancing directly to the semifinals as the group winner. There the tournament for the Americans ended with a 6-1 loss to Argentina.
Italy, 1934: Once and for all.
The second World Cup was the only competition that did not use groups for the early matches. Instead, all 16 teams played in a straight knockout format. The United States lost 7-1 to host and eventual champion Italy, and was immediately eliminated.
USA, 1994: Round 16
The United States did not qualify for the World Cup from 1954 to 1986, losing in the group stage in 1990, but was automatically invited as the host nation in 1994. After a 1-1 draw with Switzerland at the Rose Bowl in the group stage and a shocking 2-1 victory over Colombia, the United States will face Brazil in the finals.
Brazil were reduced to 10 men after receiving a red card in the first half. Leonardo hit his elbow, fracturing the skull of American midfielder Tab Ramos. The Brazilians still controlled the match and won 1-0, clinching their fourth World Cup title.
South Korea vs. Japan, 2002: Quarterfinals
It was the best performance in the United States in the modern era of this tournament. An upset against European powerhouse Portugal and a draw with co-host South Korea advanced the United States to the finals against regional rival Mexico. Goals from Brian McBride and Landon Donovan led to a 2-0 victory.
America’s run ended in a tense 1-0 loss to finalist Germany in the next game, thanks to Michael Ballack’s goal in the 39th minute. Americans remember the infamous no-call game in which a German player appeared to block a potential American goal with his arm. Video reviews were not used at that time.
South Africa, 2010: Round of 16
Donovan scored a last-minute, desperate goal against Algeria, clinching a dramatic 1-0 victory in the final group game and advancing the USA to the next round.
The United States faced Ghana and lost 1-0 in just five minutes. Donovan tied the game with a penalty kick in the second half. Asamoah Gyan’s overtime goal gave Ghana a 2-1 victory and sent the Americans home.
Brazil, 2014: Round of 16
The United States advanced through the group stage with a 2-1 win over Ghana, a 2-2 draw with Portugal, and a 1-0 loss to eventual champion Germany. The tournament ended with a 2-1 loss to Belgium.
Qatar, 2022: Round of 16
The United States started group play with draws against Wales and England, then advanced with a 1-0 win over Iran on a goal from Christian Pulisic. The Netherlands then quickly attacked the Americans and won 3-1.
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