The U.S. team spent Monday like millions of other interested followers of the World Cup. The players watched thrilling games from other venues that included a major upset with Germany falling to Paraguay, three games that went down to the wire and two nervy shootouts.

The anxieties before the World Cup were many. But with the knockout round set to begin Sunday, it's fair to say: The North American World Cup has been a thrill.

The USMNT has not won a World Cup knockout game since 2002.