The USA played really well and looked like a good International side. They will always pull out the occaisional good result.
But to win the WC or any other compettion staged over a short period and against top opposition they need more. How many of the US team play in Europe?
To win the WC players have to be used to playing top level games on a regular basis, against top players. Well organised and well disciplined. This is what the US lacks, that experience against top oppostion on a week to week basis.
It is very dificult to win against a side fielding top class players, if you are used to playing against a lower standard on a regular basis.
But the US did well and can go home with their heads high, but if some their players come to Europe, then they will be more of a threat.
On a final note, my brother live in CA and his kids (10-12) and the kids at the schools are all playing soccer. when this generartion start working and earning/spending the advertising companies will realise that a 15 minute break in the middle of soccer is worth more then the 10 break every five minutes in Baseball and American football (So I exagerated a little
) But this will also help US soccer improve.