Getting to the knockout rounds of the World Cup is nothing new for the United States. But that's usually where the American make a quick exit.
Wednesday's match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California, marks the eighth time the U.S. has played in an elimination round in 12 World Cups. But only once, in 2002, have the Americans a won a match in the knockout rounds.
Because this year's tournament was expanded to 48 teams, the first knockout round includes 32, creating an extra round of elimination play.
Here's a look at the short and mostly unsuccessful U.S. record once the World Cup reaches the win-or-go-home stage.
Uruguay, 1930: Semifinals
The first World Cup was played with 13 teams and the U.S. advanced straight to the semifinals as winner of its group. That's where the Americans' tournament ended with a 6-1 loss to Argentina.
Italy, 1934: One and done
The second edition of the World Cup was the only tournament that did not use groups for the early matches. Instead, all 16 teams played a straight knockout format. The U.S. was immediately eliminated with a 7-1 loss to host and eventual champion Italy.
US, 1994: Round of 16
The U.S. didn't qualify for the World Cup from 1954 through 1990 and then got an automatic bid as the host nation. A 1-1 tie with Switzerland and shocking 2-1 victory over Colombia in the Rose Bowl in the group stage earned the Americans a match against Brazil in the knockout round.
Brazil was down to 10 men after a first-half red card: Leonardo threw an elbow that fractured American midfielder Tab Ramos' skull. The Brazilians still controlled the match and won 1-0 on the way to their fourth World Cup title.
South Korea-Japan, 2002: Quarterfinals
The best U.S. showing in the modern era of the tournament. An upset of European heavyweight Portugal and a draw with co-host South Korea sent the Americans to the knockout round against regional rival Mexico. Goals from Brian McBride and Landon Donovan led to a 2-0 victory.
The U.S. run ended in the next match with a tense 1-0 loss to eventual finalist Germany that was decided on Michael Ballack's goal in the 39th minute. Americans remember the match for an infamous no-call when a German player appeared to block a likely U.S. goal with his arm. There was no video review in use at the time.
South Africa, 2010: Round of 16
Donovan's frantic, last-minute goal against Algeria secured a dramatic 1-0 victory in the final group match that sent the U.S. to the next round.
Facing Ghana, the U.S. went down 1-0 after just five minutes. Donovan tied it on a penalty kick in the second half. Asamoah Gyan’s extra-time goal secured a 2-1 victory for Ghana that sent the U.S. home.
Brazil, 2014: Round of 16
The U.S. advanced out of the group stage with a 2-1 win over Ghana, a 2-2 draw with Portugal and a 1-0 loss to eventual champion Germany. Their tournament ended with a 2-1 loss to Belgium.
Qatar, 2022: Round of 16
The U.S. started group play with draws with Wales and England, and advanced with a 1-0 win over Iran on Christian Pulisic's goal. The Netherlands then made quick work of the U.S., winning 3-1.
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Jim Vertuno, The Associated Press
