President Barack Obama calls Team USA after World Cup loss to Belgium

President Barack Obama is commending the United States men's soccer team for making the country proud in the World Cup tournament inBrazil.

Obama called goalkeeper Tim Howard and team captain Clint Dempsey on Wednesday, the day after the United States team came tantalizingly close to victory before being knocked out of the competition by Belgium.

The White House says Obama praised Howard and Dempsey for their leadership and the team's performance. He asked them to convey his congratulations to the coach and their teammates. The White House says Obama told the players he was captivated by the team's performance.

Obama has been following the World Cup closely. He watched last week's U.S.-Germany match from Air Force One and chanted ''I believe!'' while watching the Belgium match Tuesday with White House aides.