LA Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez returned to the starting lineup against Germany with a solid display.

Has by surviving the "Group of Death" the U.S. national surpassed the feats of the 2010 team, which won its group and fell to Ghana, 2-1, in the round of 16 on an overtime goal?

The viewing area at the Copacabana Fan Fest is long but narrow -- about 30 yards wide. So there's not much elbowroom, even when it's below its 20,000-person capacity.

Colombian and Uruguayan fans arrived at Maracana in decidedly different moods.

Saturday in Rio de Janeiro: O Globo reports that taxi drivers are unhappy. They see no significant increase in fares. Visitors are using public transportation.

How did the USA survive the Group of Death? Along with gutty performances and big plays at critical moments, here are a few factors that proved vital.

The group stage ended with the exit of three European powers, all former World Cup champions: the holder Spain, four-time champion Italy and England.

The Germans came up with a clever way to endear themselves to Brazilian fans -- wearing black-and-red striped jerseys that resemble those of Flamengo, the Rio de Janeiro-based club that is the host nation's most popular.

A stubborn defense and a dismally ineffective offense resulted in a 1-0 U.S. loss to Germany, yet the mission was accomplished.

The USA survived the Group of Death. A 1-0 loss to Germany was still enough to send the Americans through to the round of 16 on Tuesday when Portugal's 2-1 victory over Ghana was not enough to overcome its hole on goal difference going into the deciding matches.

Just about everything went in for France against Honduras and Switzerland, but the Bleus' luck ran out as they peppered Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez for 20 shots but could not put past him for a 0-0 tie.

The major players advanced to the second round, yet an encouraging debut for Bosnia-Herzegovina highlighted an entertaining set of matches.

Colombia continued its brilliant run with a 4-1 win over Japan to finish first in Group C while Greece became the tournament's biggest underdog -- along with Costa Rica - to reach the second round, thanks to a 2-1 tie over the Ivory Coast. Here's what we think about the latest knockout round qualifiers.

Costa Rica boosted the status of Concacaf and European powers England and Italy went home humbled. Uruguay will join the Ticos in the knockout stage but hasn't inspired much reason to believe it can replicate its semifinal appearance four years ago

Waves of attacks that buried the defending World Cup champion and a typically courageous showing by Australia were among the major themes as the Netherlands and Chile advanced.