The US Under-20 Women’s National Team was defeated by Nigeria on penalties in the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria made all four of its kicks while Christine Nairn’s first attempt for the USA was saved and Sydney Leroux fired the USA’s fourth attempt over the top. Those misses were sandwiched around finishes from Mollie Pathman and Kristie Mewis.

Goalkeeper Robert Green suffered a World Cup nightmare as USA had a magnificent result against England with a draw in the opening game of their World Cup campaign. England had the best chances to win and were odds on to win at Party Bets.

Steven Gerrard gave coach Fabio Capello the perfect start to this South African mission when he slid Emile Heskey's pass beyond Tim Howard after only four minutes.

US coach Bob Bradley named his final 23-man World Cup squad on Wednesday with forwards Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez among the 15 players earning their first World Cup berths.

Eight of those selected have been to a World Cup -- with two not actually playing, including key midfielder Landon Donovan. Like Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley and Steve Cherundolo will be playing in the World Cup for a third time.

Beasley's selection completes his comeback from the international wilderness after a nine-month exile from the US team that only ended in March.

With the number of football fans growing by the day in teh USA, we're keen to get the fans perspective on the football team. (yes, we said football - though its 'Soccer' to you).

If you want to be the fan who tells us whats going on, whether they've organised a street parade for the successful US team homecoming, and any other insights into the US game, then email us. We need a blogger or two to give he fans side of the story.

worldcupfootballfans at googlemail.com

Clint Dempsey showed evidence he is heading back to full fitness ahead of World Cup 2010 when he scored a spectacular winner in Fulham's shock victory over Juventus.

The USA striker only recently returned to action following a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, but showed signs of match sharpness when he produced a sublime chip to knock the Italian club out of the Europa League.

Fulham lost the first leg of the round of 16 tie in Turin 3-1, but Dempsey's goal secured a 4-1 success in Thursday's return clash at Craven Cottage to complete an unlikely aggregate victory.

Landon Donovan has voiced his sympathy for injured Los Angeles Galaxy team-mate David Beckham.

Beckham will miss the World Cup after having surgery to repair his torn Achilles tendon in Finland on Monday.

The midfielder had linked up with AC Milan to boost his chances of going to the tournament in South Africa, where England are drawn to face USA in Group C.

Donovan, who just completed a 10-week loan spell at Everton, has sent a message of support to Beckham.

"First and foremost, we are devastated for David," said the Galaxy captain.