U.S. men’s soccer team looks to stay unbeaten heading into knockout stage

The U.S. men's national soccer team has already secured the top spot in its World Cup group after dominant victories over Paraguay and Australia.

(NBC)- The U.S. men’s national soccer team has already secured the top spot in its World Cup group after dominant victories over Paraguay and Australia.

With a place in the knockout stage already locked up, the Americans are looking to carry that momentum into their final group-stage match.

“We want to keep the winning mentality, keep that feeling going,” star Christian Pulisic said. “Going into the knockout rounds, there’s no better way than with another win.”

Pulisic said he is feeling healthy after missing the Australia match because of a calf injury and is hoping to return to the lineup.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino could choose to rest some key players in the final group match to avoid yellow card suspensions that could affect the knockout rounds.

“Regardless of if I’m playing or not, you’re going to see 11 guys out there that are wanting to continue to make history,” defender Chris Richards said.

Richards also credited American fans for creating a home-field atmosphere throughout the tournament.

“It’s been amazing. You’ve seen 70,000 or 80,000 fans in the stadium, but also watch parties all around the states,” Richards said.

The tournament has also drawn supporters from around the world.

Norwegian fans packed a section of Citi Field during a New York Mets game, while Brazilian supporters filled the streets of Miami between World Cup matches.

The United States will look to remain unbeaten as it prepares for the knockout stage.