Jun 22, 2006, 19:27 GMT
Washington - With their team losing 2-1 to Ghana in a must- win match to advance in the World Cup, American fans began filing out of a Washington pub as the final minutes ticked away.
A goal by the US squad to even the match in the first half gave reason to be optimistic - only to have their hopes dashed by a penalty kick - and the winning goal for Ghana.
Americans have long been the target of conspiracy theories in international politics, but fans at the Pour House on Capitol Hill saw the tables turned.
The penalty decision was 'a world conspiracy,' shouted one. 'Everybody hates us,' shouted another.
But more savvy fans said there were no excuses, and acknowledged that the Americans had a long way to go when it comes to the most popular sport in the world.
'You can't put yourself in a situation where the refs decide the game,' said Justin Spenillo, who had skipped work to join fans at the packed bar. 'The US has just not put enough effort into it.'
The Americans' loss continued their winless streak in World Cup play on European soil, despite high hopes that the United States had emerged as a serious contender after a quarter-final berth in 2002.
Former national team players were also left wondering what went wrong.
'Where was Landon Donovan?' asked former US women's football star Julie Foudy. The midfielder showed precious little of the form that made him an overnight hero four years ago.
Eric Wynalda, top goalscorer in the US team's history, laid the blame with coach Bruce Arena for his defensive set-up, starting Brian McBride alone up front in all three games. Arena 'did not make the right moves in this World Cup,' Wynalda said.
The US team got off to a rough start, getting hammered by the Czech Republic in their first match 3-0 before fighting for a draw in their second game against Italy that led many to believe the Americans were for real.
But 'it's not how you finish, it's how you start,' said ESPN commentator Allen Hopkins after the final whistle. 'The US never recovered from that devastating defeat to the Czech Republic.'
Football has struggled for recognition in the US market against baseball, basketball and American football. The early elimination of the US team will do little to bring the sport into the mainstream.
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