Jurgen Klinsmann has taken the US into the knockout stages in Brazil
He took Germany to the semi-finals in 2006 but getting the USA out of that Group of Death might be an even better accomplishment for the former Spurs striker.
Many teams have caused surprises at this summer's World Cup, but the USA have achieved more than most.
Former Germany international Jurgen Klinsmann was a World Cup winner as a player and is now showing his capabilities as a manager at the very top level.
The 49-year-old feels at home in America, a country where he has lived since 1998. Whilst as coach of his native Germany at the 2006 World Cup, he felt the pressure was so intense that he couldn't live back in the country of his birth, so for work he used to commute through nine time zones. It has been said in some quarters that Klinsmann is now more American than German.
As well as his tactics on the pitch, Klinsmann has also shown he is ready to have a battle with the American press and supporters, over what he thinks is best for the future of the US team going forward.
There was a surprise on squad confirmation day when Klinsmann failed to announce the name of Landon Donovan and instead planned to use him as standby. US legend Donovan, the leading goalscorer for USA in international matches, was a surprise exclusion and the decision angered fans and press alike.
Klinsmann though felt that the squad needed a younger direction and was looking to change the system, which didn't include the 32-year-old LA Galaxy striker - something which has clearly paid off.
The youthful looking squad have impressed in Brazil, getting out of a group that was tagged the 'Group of Death' after the draw - having been selected to face Germany, Portugal and Ghana.
Like every quality side, the starting eleven has an excellent spine - starting with Tim Howard in goal. The Everton shot-stopper has over 100 caps and is one of the safest pairs of hands in the tournament.
In defence, Matt Besler has impressed whilst Geoff Cameron and Omar Gonzalez have both started alongside him, while DaMarcus Beasley, who has now joined the hundred caps club, offers solidity at the back and a threat going forward down the left-hand side. However, it is arguably Fabian Johnson on the other flank who has been the standout performer for the Americans, with his pace and energy proving almost too hot to handle.
In midfield, Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones are players who have enjoyed spells in Europe's top leagues and now look the part at the top level. Bradley has played in the Bundesliga, Premier League and Serie A during his 10-year career to date, whilst Jones has spent most of his playing time in Germany, but is currently based in Turkey with Besiktas.
Whilst up front, captain Clint Dempsey looks like a player who could still hack it in the Premier League. The 31-year-old, who now plays for Seattle after six years in England with Fulham and Tottenham, has been a handful and already has two goals to his name. Even playing on his own up front, Dempsey has been able to cause problems for opposition defenders.
Around them, Klinsmann has looked to younger or inexperienced players, some from the MLS, to offer a bit of pace and passion, and they haven't let him down.
The likes of defender DeAndre Yedlin, midfielder Graham Zusi and striker Aron Johannsson are all names that were unfamiliar to most at the start of the tournament.
Progress to the second round is even more impressive when you consider they lost a key forward in their first group game. Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore picked up a hamstring problem in the win over Ghana, but may yet return for the next round.
Before the tournament, the coach stated he was quite happy though to allow these players to develop for now. Klinsmann said: "Some have a learning curve ahead of them, there's no doubt about it, but they are ready for that learning curve, and they might surprise some people out there."
They have certainly done that, with a win over Ghana and a draw with Portugal, in a game they should have won, was enough to see them reach the last 16.
MLS has often been derided in Europe, with the press claiming it's a poor quality league made up of young Americans and ageing overseas players eking out the latter stages of their career. But this World Cup might have made the critics think again....it may also tempt more players to consider a spell in North America.
A hard-working ethos is one of the main reasons though for their successful run in the tournament, with everyone willing to fill in where required. The energy levels have been impressive and that's enabled them to work tirelessly to close down opponents before they get close to the final third.
USA have also shown they are capable of mixing up their style. They do generally like to get the ball wide and cause problems down the flanks, but they are equally capable of keeping possession and drawing a team out.
They also have a physical presence that has seen them out-muscle sides, especially at set pieces. From an attacking perspective, Dempsey is always a threat in the air, while the two centre backs are very rarely beaten in aerial challenges.
Klinsmann has emulated his predecessor Bob Bradley in reaching the second round. However, he will need to go some way to beat their best ever finish when they reached the last eight in 2002.
The United States will now face Belgium in the last 16 and it looks set for an intriguing clash in Salvador on July 1.
Belgium came into the tournament as one of the dark horses to lift the trophy, but haven't been as impressive as many were predicting, despite cruising through qualifying.
Marc Wilmots' team did win all three of their group games, but performances have been lacklustre although you do feel there is better to come from the Group H winners.
But the USA will be as well drilled as ever and you can bet Klinsmann will have does his homework on the best way to see off the Belgian challenge.
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