The Netherlands eliminated the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team at the FIFA World Cup this weekend, winning 3-1. Regardless, the American team’s unwavering effort made the country proud.

The team kicked off its 2022 World Cup run by finishing third in the final qualifying round, just under first-place Canada and second-place Mexico. This placed the U.S. in better shape than its previous run, when it failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2018.

Before the men landed in Qatar and played their first game against Wales, many Americans were unsure about their chances: the United States were the second youngest team in the tournament, and their Coach Gregg Berhalter was recently appointed.

The team got off to a decent start, tying Wales 1-1 in its first group-stage matchup. Striker Timothy Weah scored America’s only goal in the game off an assist from midfielder Christian Pulisic in the 36^th minute.

England’s match against the United States four days later escalated anticipation among fans. But both teams failed to score in the match, resulting in a scoreless draw.

The United States’ win-or-go-home game against Iran was their last hope. Fans were chanting and screaming all game, as the United States needed the win to move on to its first round of 16 since 2014.

In the 38^th minute, Pulisic delivered a goal on an assist from full-back Sergiño Dest. Pulisic went down with an abdominal injury while scoring the goal following a collision with Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand. Fans praised Pulisic, nicknamed “Captain America”, for his performance.

Weah scored another goal in the 45^th minute, just before halftime, but the referee waved the yellow flag, declaring the goal offside.

Fans experienced a nail-biting finish. Iran had possession for most of the final minutes, crossing the ball into the U.S. penalty box several times. The United States, however, held off Iran and won the elimination match 1-0.

Despite the amazing run, the United States could not get past the older and more experienced Netherlands team in the round of 16, falling 3-1.

The U.S. spiced up the game when forward Haji Wright scored a goal to tighten the contest to 2-1 in the 76^th minute. But the Netherlands’ Denzel Dumfries scored another goal in the 81^st minute, putting the game away.

Following a World Cup run that marked improvement from the 2018 disaster, the U.S. team will look to build upon its strong showing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.