Superpower Status?

The score-line looked vintage 1974: Germany advances to the semifinals 1-0, winning with a headed goal from a free kick. How predictable. Yet this game was not at all a throwback. If Korea and Japan announced their arrival to big-time football in this World Cup, the U.S., even in losing to Germany, adamantly staked its claim as a global power. "It's been incredible," said U.S. goalie Brad Friedel, who played sensationally. "We have had a great ride. The satisfying thing is we can go home knowing that we probably could have gone a little further." Added coach Bruce Arena: "With this...