The United States and England played to a stalemate at the World Cup. It takes 1:35 to complete the task.
The deflating finish against Wales was the first thing to happen. It wasn't quite sure how to feel about the stalemate with England.
The only thing that matters is the next game.
There was only one talking point from Friday's draw with the Three Lions and that was that. How to use tactics? What kind of people? On Tuesday, the United States men's national team will play a match against Iran that will define Berhalter's tenure, in addition to sending this young core of players.
The news and features of the World Cup in 2022.
That is a brutal reality. It might be possible. In international soccer, a team's story can take years to come to a conclusion that lasts 90 minutes. The US team needs to win and go to the knockout rounds. Lose and they leave.
Berhalter said it was clear now. It's a good thing that you get to control your fate in the last game of the World Cup.
| GP | W | D | L | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - England | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +4 | 4 |
| 2 - Iran | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 3 |
| 3 - USA | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 - Wales | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 1 |
| Top two countries qualify for round of 16 |
The public's attention is our goal. We want to give them something to be proud of. Tonight helped, but there has to be more. As of right now, that is the focus.
Berhalter assumed responsibility for the program after it failed to qualify for the World Cup. Changing perception in the United States and abroad is something he has talked about. Making an impact is something he has talked about. Making history is something about which I am interested.
He has done that before. Many young stars have been recruited by him. He has developed a way to play. He has a way to get the best out of his players.
When Berhalter went to a 4-4-2 that would require Christian Pulisic to defend more than usual on the wing, it was a risk, but one that he paid off by running and digging in.
Berhalter said it was amazing to see the biggest star on the field being one of the hardest working. Something is happening on the team when you have that.
The man is correct. That kind of performance is not enough. The US players are not confident. Weston McKennie said after the match that the US is not afraid of playing against top-tier teams because they know the talent and fight and spirit that they have.
The US has played two games at the World Cup. In the last 14 months, it hasn't won a game outside the US. It let a lead slip away in its first match that could have made a massive difference and now it faces an Iran team that, in addition to being spurred by the political uprising it represents within its own country, will also be lifted by a dramatic 2-0 victory over Wales.
This can be done by the US. The chances will be there if it plays like it did against Wales or England. Against England, McKennie was very active. Tyler Adams was all over the place. The man was up and down. Sergino Dest ran fast. They were stout in defense. When he needed it, Matt Turner was in goal.
There are pieces in place. It's hard to imagine Berhalter having a compelling case for managing this team at the World Cup if they don't make it out of the group stage. Berhalter said that it was what he signed up for when he was asked about the relatively few games that international managers are judged on.
Is it? It is what many expected when the draw for the tournament was released, even if the preamble hasn't gone as expected. The US was supposed to lose to England and then play against Iran. They didn't do anything in the first two matches and have to play for it all against Iran.
On Tuesday, there is an elimination game. Berhalter has preached a game to his team for a long time. If only they could change the perception.
Berhalter said that they are not done. We want to keep going. Hopefully by the end of the tournament, people will have something to discuss.
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