United States captain Carlos Bocanegra is viewing today's crunch showdown against Algeria as not only a chance to reach the last 16 of the World Cup but also to win the team some new fans back home.
The popularity of football in the US is on the rise but, unlike in many other countries around the globe, it is not the leading sport with traditional favourites baseball, American football and basketball providing stiff competition.
However, Bocanegra believes his side can strike another blow for the sport by securing the victory against Algeria later today that will guarantee them a place in the knockout stages in South Africa.
"Every time we have played in the World Cup, our games have contributed to the interest back home, and I think more and more we have people interested in the United States," he said.
"Over the last four years, since the 2006 World Cup, we have realised that football has become increasingly popular.
"It is not the top sport in the United States yet but it is the most popular sport around the world and I hope after the (Algeria) game we will have even more supporters in the US."
US coach Bob Bradley echoed those thoughts, adding: "Soccer in the US continues to grow, there have been so many important steps along the way.
"We understand that each World Cup takes on extra importance and we understand the responsibility we have as a team representing the United States and representing our sport."
The US missed out on a place in the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup after losing to Ghana in their final group game in what was a similar situation to the one they now find themselves in.
