Dialling in: America president Barack Obama rang USA stars Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard on Wednesday.
Edge of your seat! Obama watched the World Cup defeat against Belgium at the Eisenhower Executive Office.
Heroic: American goalkeeper Howard made a staggering 16 saves in the extra time defeat
He said: 'Clint, Tim. Man I just wanted to call to say you did us proud. You guys did great. There’s someone here who’s first sport was soccer although I was never that good.
'To see the way you guys captured the hearts and imaginations of the whole country is unbelievable and obviously the way the sport has been growing steadily because kids have been playing it at a young age, but this is the first time you have had an entire country focused.
'Clint you were fantastic and Tim I don’t know how you are going to survive the mobs when you come back home. You are going to have to shave your beard so they don’t know who you are.
'You guys did us all proud not just by how hard you played and how well you did; you guys just carried yourselves with a lot of class. It makes people really respect the sport and you guys are really great models for a lot of sportsman here in the states.
'I know it is disappointing but what you guys accomplished is really, really significant and it will make a difference to the country so congratulate coach. I know maybe you have got another couple of guys there.
Recognise! Pentagon chief Hagel called Everton's Howard on Wednesday to offer his congratulations.
Head held high: Howard was cheered on by Today show host Natalie Morales the day after.
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