Charles Boehm

In Brazil, finding a way forward.

Klinsmann's team were out-possessed, out-passed and out-shot by two of their three group-stage opponents.

The flooding was so bad that even USMNT families weren't able to attend the match.

"This win means nothing unless we're able to build upon it the next two games," said captain Clint Dempsey.

A strange duality has been at work in the run-up to this year's summer showcase, and it's showed in my interactions with residents of this sprawling, scruffy city.