Even though their team has been eliminated from the World Cup, more fans in the U.S. are catching football fever after the first time the team reached the Round of 16 in back-to-back tournaments. Chris Casquejo reports.

The World Cup match between the U.S. and Portugal on June 22 was the most watched football game ever in the U.S., and television ratings do not include the huge crowds that gathered in bars and stadiums across the country to watch the U.S. team play.

According to FIFA, the U.S. is second in the world only to China in the total number of people that play football, ranking higher than India, Germany and Brazil. This year’s World Cup may be helping to create a new generation of U.S. fans, as well as players.

Team USA\'s performance makes for more soccer fans

Even though their team has been eliminated from the World Cup, more fans in the U.S. are catching football fever after the first time the team reached the Round of 16 in back-to-back tournaments. Chris Casquejo reports.

Broadcast sports analyst Mark Gray spoke to CCTV’s Susan Roberts to talk about why people across the globe are so passionate about the World Cup.

Twitter: @thesportsgroove

Mark Gray on football fever in the U.S.

Broadcast sports analyst Mark Gray spoke to CCTV's Susan Roberts to talk about why people across the globe are so passionate about the World Cup.