TheFA.com's Insider reveals the atmosphere following England's opener.
It has been an important few days for the squad, dealing with the first game and moving forward to the next one.
A lot has been written about Robert Green and America's equalising goal, but it bears repeating that not only did he show a strength of character on the pitch in denying USA a second goal, he also displayed his courage off the pitch.
Delayed in getting to the changing room after he was selected by the doping control officers for a test, when showered and changed Rob refused to hide as he walked through the assembled media and spoke at great length about the match, and Clint Dempsey's goal.
Difficult? Perhaps, but as Rob said in the aftermath you cannot become an international footballer without overcoming setbacks. From broken backs to damaged ligaments, missing the World Cup four years ago because of an injury in the final warm up game, Rob has seen off bigger hurdles and will continue to do so.
All the players spoke with positive belief that the performance showed spirit, creativity and an encouraging level of energy. There are things to improve upon, but Rome was not built in a day.
Dinner was served close to midnight at the team hotel on return from the stadium, and Sunday was a rest day for everyone. Some players who played no part in the game did some training early in the morning, and everyone had the chance to get out of the base camp and see any friends or family who have been following them out here.
It was an important day, the first real opportunity since arriving in Rustenburg for the players to escape for a little while. Although there was still work to do as members of the coaching team travelled to the Algeria v Slovenia match to scout our next two opponents.
The rest day was also extended to the staff, where it was feasible for them to take some time out, and I was fortunate enough to be able to join the group of players who played golf in the afternoon. Although my playing partners Green and Hart might not have felt so fortunate given my wayward shots.
After a day of rest, Monday was back to business. Training as usual in the morning, followed by a press conference in the afternoon. Jamie Carragher spoke to the media and among a number of humourous lines ("Anyone who's seen me play at Anfield will know I'm louder than any vuvuzela") he also displayed a great awareness of the broad football issues as only a player who cares passionately about the game could. A figure of experience.
Peter Crouch spoke to FATV in the afternoon, fitting it in at half time during Japan v Cameroon which all the players convened to watch in the lounge area of our hotel.
Tuesday was more of the same as Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole, both of whom did not fully train on Monday, returned to the group and took part in the full session. All eyes firmly fixed on Algeria and our next group game on Friday evening.
One slight, but significant, difference to the afternoon schedule came in the form of a visit to the SOS Children's Village. Michael Dawson and Matthew Upson travelled to the site in Rustenburg where the charity has built homes for orphans. The children are housed together in groups of eight and cared for by a group of mothers who raise them just as they would their own.
Tottenham Hotspur have worked with the charity, as have The FA for many years, and Michael was able to meet 12-year-old Aubrey who he has sponsored as part of Spurs' involvement with SOS. There was a surprised look on the Tottenham defender's face when Aubrey had a Manchester United shirt on with Rooney on the back, but before he left Michael was able to persuade him to wear a Spurs shirt as they played head tennis together.
Much like the invitation to 'My Home' to visit our training match with Platinum Stars and meet the players after the game on the pitch, Tuesday was a fantastic chance to connect with the local people and more importantly children who are embued with instant joy by football and all its simplicity.
On return from the orphanage I persuaded both Jermain Defoe and Shaun Wright-Phillips to speak to FATV together, and it made for a great interview as the pair nicknamed 'Batman and Robin' by the staff brought the best out of eachother. Look out for that one later on.
We travel to Cape Town on Thursday, where we will train in the stadium in preparation for the match with Algeria on Friday evening - a day that just happens to be Fabio Capello's 64th birthday.
I think we all know what present he wants.
Stuart Mawhinney