If they had managed to hold on for just 30 more seconds, the USA would have sealed qualification to the last-16 and given themselves a chance of topping a tough group.
But alas for Team USA, Portugal's latest goal in World Cup history means Jurgen Klinsmann's side face a nervous final group match against Germany where a draw will be enough to seal a place in the last-16.
The New York Times' Juliet Macur says people will have to wait and see if the US has been scarred by the experience.
But she believes Americans are realizing that Klinsmann may have got it right by leaving out long-time talisman Landon Donovan.
"Now it seems brilliant because it seems that they haven't needed Landon Donovan," said Macur. "I think in the US people don't even remember who Landon Donovoan is right now. That's an example of what Jurgen Klinsmann has done with the team."
However, coming back from the terribly humid conditions in Manaus could affect the US negatively when they face Germany and Macur discussed the magnitude of the weather conditions in the rainforest.
She also spoke about the varying emotions among the US public over the two World Cup games so far.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
