The crowd began chanting "U-S-A! U-S-A!" and things got really exciting. The U.S. got inches from tying in the 90th minute when Charlie Davies' header bounced off the crossbar. Davies had entered the game in the 77th minute, when Nowak realized Holland was beating Japan and the U.S. needed goals fast. Davies got off another good shot in extra time, but Vanzekin was able to get his glove on it.

"This match was harder than we thought," Nigerian forward Victor Anichebe said. "They even hit the bar near the end and they were good despite being reduced to 10 men very early."

Guzan said he goes home without a medal, but with great memories and respect for his teammates. "We created something really special in a short amount of time, and came really close to going to the quarterfinals. We tied the Netherlands 2-2, and should have won, and then we fought hard with a man down almost the whole game. We have a lot to be proud of."

Adu, who watched from the stands, said he hopes fans remember the team "not for the loss, but for its fighting spirit."

Nowak said the locker room was quiet after the match, and he had a hard time expressing his feelings to his players.

"I am disappointed, there is no question about that," Nowak said. "But these boys played so hard. For me, the last five to 10 minutes they won a gold medal. In my heart, we won a gold medal with our effort, and I will cherish the moment forever."