Pakistan landed a bronze-medal at the Street Child World Cup 2014 in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday after a nail biting performance, defeating the United States 3-2 on penalty kicks.

Led by Sameer Ahmed, who is the goal keeper and captain of the street children football team, the young sportsmen were able to belt out a fine performance.

Both teams scored two goals, one each in the first and second half, with Pakistan taking lead.

The teams were awarded extra time but were unable to score a goal and had to go for penalty-kicks.

Pakistan was unable to qualify for the finals after being beaten by Burundi on Saturday.

However, the team earned immense respect and applause, not only from the teams that are playing with them at the World Cup but also from football fans online.

Earlier on Friday, the Pakistani side beat Philippines in the penalty shoot out to reach the semis.

The game was forced into a penalty shootout after full-time and extra-time failed to break the 1-1 deadlock between the two teams.

Pakistani children eventually emerged victorious after scoring three penalties as opposed to the two the Philippines managed to score.

Previously they had defeated Kenya 2-0 in their second match of the tournament after defeating defending champions India 13-0 in the opener.