(CNN) -- Goalkeeper Tim Howard says the explosion of interest in soccer in the United States is "mind-blowing" off the back of Team USA's surprise progression from the World Cup "Group of Death" to the last 16. Few gave the U.S. team much chance of finishing in the top two from the likes of Germany, Portugal and Ghana, but it has defied the pundits to reach the knockout stages. Howard, who plays for Everton in the English Premier League, has been a key figure, making a string of fine saves to restrict group winners Germany to a 1-0 win Thursday.
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Team USA celebrating passage to last 16 of World Cup
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Goalkeeper Tim Howard has played key role
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Howard thanks fans for their support
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Striker Jozy Altidore winning race to face Belgium in last 16
Team USA
Team USA
It left @placeholder tied on four points with Portugal, but qualifying for a match against Belgium next Tuesday because of a superior goal difference.
Belgium
It left Team USA tied on four points with Portugal, but qualifying for a match against @placeholder next Tuesday because of a superior goal difference.
Ghana
The 35-year-old veteran of 103 internationals had also been in top form as the U.S. tied Portugal 2-2 in its second group match, building on its 2-1 win over @placeholder to start the tournament.