By Paul Walker, PA Sport, Jeonju

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The USA created a piece of history while Fulham outcast Eddie Lewis was just trying to prove Jean Tigana wrong.

As the Stateside heroes head for their first World Cup quarterfinals in 72 years against the might of Germany in Ulsan on Friday, "Beach Boy" Lewis can be forgiven for having a satisfied smile on his face after his Craven Cottage nightmare.

Lewis, a surfing ace back home in California, was virtually ignored for six months by boss Tigana before joining up with the USA squad for the World Cup finals, and now expects to move before the new season starts.

But he produced a storming display to shatter Mexico here 2-0, and send the Americans off to their match with the Germans.

USA coach Bruce Arena described Lewis' display as "absolutely magnificent" while the 28-year-old hoped Tigana was watching.

He explained: "I have been at Fulham for just over two years and have another year on my contract, but the new manager doesn't play me.

"Like at most clubs when a new man takes over he brings his own players in.

"Sometimes I don't feel there is a respect for American players, but maybe that's understandable. Maybe it is my generation that will finally break things down and receive the benefits eventually.

"But If it's not going to work out at Fulham I should go somewhere that I'm going to play every week. I think that will happen before the season starts."

He added: "I thought it might happen last season, but now my contract is running out. It's a good opportunity for them to get some money before it's too late.

"I cost about £1million when I joined from San Jose, that's not a lot in today's market. I am in the process of working things out.

"I would be happy to stay in England and maybe find a First Division club. The coach (Tigana) hasn't spoken to me, it's difficult to get a lot out of him really.

"To be honest he doesn't say very much. He didn't play me for six months and then gave me 90 minutes in the last game of the season, after that he said I played well and wished me good luck in the World Cup."

The Mexico clash was Lewis' first start in this tournament, and he added: "Hopefully he (Tigana) has been watching and will have seen me playing out here.

"Maybe he's not though after his country France, was knocked out early, he's probably turned off the TV altogether.

"I will maybe at this point have a joke with him about that when I get back, it's about the only chance I'm likely to get."

Inspired by a pre-match pep talk phone call from President George Bush, the Americans produced an inspired, battling display to reach the last eight, where they know they are massive underdogs against Germany, who must privately believe this is an easy passage into the semi-finals.

But Lewis said: "We have far exceeded our expectations. The pressure is very heavily on Germany and that's to our advantage.

"We will continue to defend and counter-attack, that's what has got us here.

"Now we expect a really tough fight. Every World Cup that Germany have played in they find a way to get themselves near to, or right to, the finals. This World Cup is no different, so for us to break them down will be by far the biggest test that our country has ever encountered.

"But we have surprised a few people along the way and we will try to continue that. Every team in the last eight is a world-class team, and that includes us.

"Being able to beat Mexico and Portugal in this tournament proves that for us.

"But Germany will be the toughest yet, by far. I hope results like this gain respect for American soccer. Playing Mexico created attention for us and I hope that continues.

"For us to advance as a nation in this sport we have to do well in the big tournaments.

"The President was inspiring. He told us that we were representing the greatest country in the world and to go out and make us proud of you.

"I know soccer isn't a big deal in the States, but that call gave the players extra inspiration."