Debacle, disaster, catastrophe, calamity. As the post-mortems began on the USA's World Cup elimination, no hyperbolic stone was left unturned.

An erratic qualifying campaign that began with losses to Mexico and Costa Rica, followed by the sacking of coach Jurgen Klinsmann, ended in abject failure against Trinidad and Tobago in the Ato Boldon Stadium.

A 2-1 loss against a side with nothing to play for, and when a simple draw would have secured qualification, means US soccer fans will be left on the outside looking in when next year's World Cup party kicks off.

It is the first time since 1986 that the United States will not be present at football's greatest tournament.

Sports Illustrated's respected football writer Grant Wahl described the loss as the "most surreal and embarrassing night in US soccer history."

The impact of the American elimination will be felt far and wide. The World Cup is considered one of the key engines of the sport in the United States, attracting new generations of fans at each tournament.

Three years ago, millions of supporters thronged into viewing parties in city centres across the United States to watch their team perform creditably in Brazil, emerging from the "Group of Death" to reach the last 16.