The United States is leaving the 2014 World Cup, but soccer in America could well be taking an important step forward after the team's thrilling run to the Round of 16.

Normally, being eliminated in the first knockout round is nothing to be excited about, but remember when the U.S. was drawn in the same group as Germany, Portugal and Ghana? Germany is an international superpower, Portugal has the Ballon d'Or winner and Ghana had seen the USMNT eliminated in the past two World Cups.

Group G was "the group of death" and the U.S. was not supposed to get out, until they did.

It was not until the 93rd minute that Belgium opened the scoring, striking early in the 30-minute of extra time. They added another goal in the 105th minute, but the U.S. finally broke through with a goal in the 107th minute. With 12 minutes to go, the U.S. needed only one score to send the game to penalty kicks, which would have been fitting given the way the tournament has gone, but the game ended with Belgium victorious 2-1.

"For my heart, please don't give me too many games like this," Belgium coach Marc Wilmots told reporters after the game, according to ESPN.

Belgium seemed in control of the match, but could not get any goals past U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard. His 16 saves were the most in a World Cup match since 1966 and his individual effort sparked several Internet tributes to the U.S. goalie.

"They were all on their limit," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann told reporters. "[Howard] had an absolutely amazing match."

According to the Washington Post, Howard's first five saves were nothing any goalkeeper should have allowed through. However, when the Belgian attack grew stronger, so did Howard.

Tuesday's loss might still be sitting heavy on U.S. soccer fans' hearts, but there is plenty to look forward to even though the World Cup is over for the Americans. First, 20-year-old DeAndre Yedlin showed great poise, blazing speed and surprising finesse for a young forward getting his first taste of the World Cup.

American soccer fans can watch Yedlin play for the MLS' Seattle Sounders FC alongside U.S. captain Clint Dempsey. Michael Bradley plays for Toronto FC and Landon Donovan for the L.A. Galaxy. USMNT players who play internationally include Howard, striker Jozy Altidore and midfielder Jermaine Jones.