Former USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel has lauded his compatriots' qualification for the knockout stages of the World Cup, calling it "an unbelievable occasion" for sport in the United States.

Jurgen Klinsmann's outfit lost 1-0 to Germany in Recife, but still made it through to the last 16 as they had the same number of points as nearest rivals Portugal, but a better goal difference.

Friedel told BBC Sport: "It is an unbelievable day for US soccer.

"[The USA players] were not outstanding on the pitch today but they will always give 100% and be organised.

"The people back home will love this - we've finished above one the best teams in the world and Portugal and Ronaldo are going home. The next game is going to be a massive occasion."

USA could face either Belgium, Algeria, Russia or South Korea in the second round, as the final Group H games are yet to get underway.

Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte