SAO PAULO -- U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley's performances during the American team's first three games in Brazil have left the 26-year-old facing criticism from many fans and media members. But on Friday, coach Jurgen Klinsmann insisted that the U.S. would not have survived the first round without him.

"I am very, very satisfied with Michael in this tournament so far," Klinsmann said a day after the Yanks secured their spot in the round of 16 despite dropping a 1-0 decision to Germany.

"We came through this group because of his influence on the field."

Bradley, playing a more advanced role than he did during World Cup qualifying and in South Africa four years ago, is among the tournament leaders in terms of ground covered. But playing out of his usual deeper-lying, more defensive spot has also made some of his mistakes more glaring, none more than when he was dispossessed on a play that led to Portugal's late equalizer in Sunday's 2-2 draw in Manaus. The U.S. were less than 30 seconds from securing a win in that match, one that would have qualified them for the knockout stage after just two games.

Michael Bradley has excelled defensively, according to his coach, but the midfielder has drawn criticism for his play in the attack. JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images

Instead, they went through only after Portugal beat Ghana in their Group G finale.

Klinsmann, though, praised the Toronto FC star's leadership and insisted that his overall game has been strong.

"The defensive work that Michael puts in is absolutely outstanding," Klinsmann said a day after the U.S. returned from Recife, site of Thursday's defeat. "It is one of the reasons why we barely gave away any chances for Germany in that game, and Portugal the same thing."