Exhilarating, intense, exhausting, and surreal. These were the words used by members of the Black-and-Red following today's World Cup action as the team wrapped up training in the hazy afternoon heat at RFK Stadium. The results from Groups C and D in South Africa left many of the players and coaches reeling, as United's personnel tried to make sense of the day's happenings.

"I watched the entire U.S. match on my phone as I was shopping for furniture," said an unwavering Troy Perkins. "I'm being serious, I was walking through the store making all kind of noises with people looking at me, and when we [the United States] scored I actually threw the phone up in the air and ran around the store - I just lost it."

Perkins wasn't the only one. The team seemed to collectively embrace the spirit of the World Cup today, as each player had something to say about the tournament. Perkins continues, "I was shaking at the final whistle. Not only am I thrilled for those guys, but [I am thrilled] for U.S. soccer in general - winning the group over England is just fantastic."

Yet for the elation experienced by those supporting the U.S. national team, there was dejection in other parts of the locker room. "I'm in shock right now. I didn't get to see the second half when we were out at training, but in the first half we looked great and had three good chances to score - I don't know what happened," said United defender Dejan Jakovic about his native Serbia. Jakovic's home country dropped valuable points to Australia in a 2-1 defeat, prompting some internal controversy.

Just across the room was Danny Allsopp, a former Australian international who was brimming with pride for his nation. Said Allsopp, "I think we finished off the tournament with pride, we fought to win respect back after the first match against Germany, and even though it was not enough to get us through the next stage, I am proud with the effort and the result."

Australia's role as spoiler keeps Serbia from advancing, thereby allowing Ghana to progress into the round of 16 where the African side will face the United States. Rest assured that the club will have fixed eyes on this contest in Columbus prior to the team's 7:30 p.m. clash with the Crew on Saturday, June 26.