Red, white and blue-hoo-hoo.
The U.S. team’s dream of a World Cup championship wilted in the sweltering Brazilian heat Tuesday with a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Belgium in an extra-time match.
The Americans let victory slip from their feet with seconds left in regulation play when Chris Wondolowski’s point-blank kick on goal sailed over the net.
Wondolowski’s missed opportunity provoked groans and choice words at massive TV viewing parties from DUMBO in Brooklyn to Soldier Field in Chicago.
“I’m gutted to have let down everyone but especially my teammates,” Wondolowski tweeted after the game. “It’s been an incredible ride but I know this will make me stronger.”
Surviving the near-knockout seemed to ignite the unbeaten Belgians’ offense in extra time as they went up 2-0.
But U.S. sub Julian Green resurrected hope by scoring in the 106th minute of the game, netting a perfect pass from Michael Bradley.
Super goalie Tim Howard did his best to keep America’s chances alive, jumping and diving to block a barrage of Belgian goal attempts. Howard, 35, of North Brunswick, N.J., finished the game with a stunning 16 saves, the most in any World Cup match since record-keeping began in 1966.
Howard’s teammates tried to salvage his brilliant game by attacking the net relentlessly in the last 15-minute extra-time period.
Captain Clint Dempsey had a golden chance to knot the game late in extra time, getting a one-on-one matchup with Belgian goalie Thibaut Courtois, who blocked Dempsey’s shot.
In the end, it was not meant to be for Team U.S.A. whose shot at glory came to a screeching halt Tuesday.
Despite the stinging defeat, fans praised the underdog squad for the thrilling ride on the global stage.
“Very proud of @USSoccer,” President Obama tweeted from the White House following the game. “We’ll win it all sooner than the world thinks. #BelieveIt.”
Former President Bill Clinton also took to Twitter to congratulate the team’s performance in the World Cup.
“I am proud of @ussoccer for a hard-fought effort today and a great #2014worldcup run,” Clinton tweeted.
Thousands of fans watched with roller coaster emotions at a massive viewing party under the Manhattan Bridge in Brooklyn, chanting “U-S-A! U-S-A!” and wildly waving their star-spangled banners.
But when time ran out, a silence set on the crowd and the red, white and blue faces were streaked with sweat and tears.
“It was a fantastic game,” said Sebastian Reyes, 22, of Corona, Queens. “But we missed our chance in the last minute. We could’ve done it if we had the time. But what a way to go out.”
Hector Hernandez, 31, of Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, said the U.S. team’s performance in the tournament gave him hope for 2018.
“They did better than we expected because we didn’t expect them to make it this far,” Hernandez said. “We’ll see what happens in 2018. It’s been a good run.”
The U.S. team started with a major 2-1 upset over Ghana on June 16 and nearly scored a second upset, this time over Portugal, on June 23 before settling for a 2-2 tie. While they lost to powerhouse Germany 1-0 on Thursday, the team scored enough goals in the opening round to make it to the sudden-death round of 16.
Along the way, players such as Dempsey and Howard became household names.
Howard’s play Tuesday was so amazing, his name was mentioned in a staggering 1.8 million tweets during the game.
“Overall, it was a great tournament for the U.S.,” said Nick Hanson, 35, of Manhattan, who watched the game with a boisterous crowd that packed the Bronx Alehouse.
“They made a lot of progression, but ultimately didn’t get done what they wanted to.”
Petite Albeille, on E. 20th St., was a bistro divided during the game with Belgian fans on one side and U.S. fans on the other.
“We deserve it!” shouted Belgium-born actor Ronald Guttman, 61, who toasted the victory with his son as fellow fans ate Belgian waffles with pride.
“It’s all Belgium!” added Lieven Venken, 38, who was born in the tiny nation.
With Christian Zhang, Sabrina Caseta and Patrick McCarron
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