How America has fallen in love with beautiful game

They turned out in tens of thousands, some painted in red, white and blue, waving flags and chanting ‘I Believe!’ in city parks, stadiums and sports bars from coast to coast on Tuesday, to watch the USA national soccer team play Belgium in the knockout round of the World Cup.

Some were die-hard soccer fans. Others were newcomers, spurred on by the rising tide of support for the national team in the world’s biggest tournament. They left without what they wanted: a win.

From Texas to Chicago to California, fans watched nervously as the US and Belgium played 90 scoreless minutes before Belgium scored twice in extra-time.