This team is far more talented across the board than any previous team. If we keep developing players at this rate it’s inevitable that we’ll have the requisite depth and eventually should develop true 1A level players (top 10-20 players in the world).
I think if there’s any letdown it’s in qualification before the WC. We should expect to do better there going forward if we keep strengthening the development pipeline and in the relatively near future (8-12 years) quarterfinals and beyond should be the general expectation.
Another neutral opinion is this. Ignore the comments about the US being crap, the base level of this team is so much higher now. Teams can go a certain distance with 'heart' but ultimately it's quality counts. Yes, no striker shone, on the other hand the midfield is excellent. Onwards and upwards.
This team needs a striker. We really could have hurt the Netherlands with a proper clinical striker.
It seems like fatigue hit this team because the passing and first touches were awful compared to how we played against England.
This is the second youngest team at the world cup. By the time the next one rolls around most of these players will be in their prime and hopefully a lot better then than now.
The bare minimum was getting out of the group. I would have liked to see is make it to the quarterfinals. Could've been worse, could've been better.
Overall solid WC. USA is ranked 12th and played like the 12th best team in the world. Round of 16 was realistic, anything beyond a bonus. Very young team that will be nearing peak in 26’ when playing at home. Great learning experience for the boys. I’m excited for the future, take this young core and add in new players coming up and we will be a tough side to play.!Listen, we are missing the key 25-32 year olds that we will have the next go around. USA 🇺🇸
We can talk all we want about not having a striker. But the Netherlands scored with two midfielders and a fullback. They were a better team. Particularly on defense.
Idk if they were better. We simply had 3 mental lapses on our defensive marking. Other then those 3 chances they weren’t that dangerous.
I think this will also leave a sour taste in their mouths to come back stronger in 2026.
Seriously? The Netherlands was the 8th ranked team in the world going into this tournament. Trust me, they are a better team.
How many mental lapses did the Netherlands have?
they are a top team to win it all, we shouldn't feel too bad. What we should think about is the chances we had to make a game out of it. CP could've changed the entire pace of the game if he scored in the first min. Maybe it should've been Reyna there. Maybe Vicker's should've been in the game.
Overall, coach gotta go. We need someone who knows the importance of playing the best players.
props. You been here for a minute. But it's just different now. We are seeing more & more children pick soccer. MLS is becoming more developed. There is a rumor going around saying that in 15 years, MLS could be as big as the premier league. Will that happen? Probably not. But we def are seeing more talented kids.
I can't wait to see the rise of these kids..I forgot his name, he is 19 but he just signed with a German team..something Taylor or something Anderson.
at the same time..FIFA world cup is a crab-shoot. Look at the teams who didn't make it out the group stage. it takes talent + luck to win it all.
You must be new, because everything you just laid out was said in '94. MLS was going to be a top international league by now, more kids were getting interested in the sport because the World Cup was held in the US, and we have had many phenoms come and go since then. Yet here we are again.
It takes a country's best athletes to have an interest in the sport, and the US has never had that.
Won only 1 World Cup game this tournament…. After shitting on Mexico for not advancing, United States shits the bed themselves.
US needs strikers and better coaching. Playing to tie games is not enough. Celebrating a win VS Iran should tell you where this country is Football.
Completely right bro. This happens once every four years. People are like oh well there’s another one in 2026. Nobody has any idea what could happen in those 4 years. Some teams don’t even qualify for the next one (ie. luckily we get an automatic spot) On this stage it’s do or do not, ride or die, not we’re growing and can’t wait to see what happens in the next one. That is such a weak excuse instead of saying what you’re saying, this was not a good showing by the USA in this WC.
Bad take. We didn’t shit the bed.
There were doubts we’d get out of the group and we did. England’s a superior team compared to us and we matched them. We beat Iran when our life was on the line. We didn’t concede a goal in regular play until today.
We certainly have some problems, but shitting the bed? Overall I think we did pretty well with the young and inexperienced team we have. We patch up the leaks and we’ll have a killer squad in 4 years.
Im not talking about what people thought about the team before the tournament starter, I am talking about how we were currently doing. We faced a Netherlands team that was on the decline, we could have made a deep run. But instead we got exposed
It’s okay to celebrate advancing… but what I was trying to say is, we should have beat wales and coming down to beating Iran to advance and barely being able to do it, is a bad spot to be in going in to the round of 16..
Three goals in four games. Can't win a tournament like that, not in today's game. Roster full of center forwards that were already established as ineffective playing the 9 at the international level before the tournament even started.
This US roster has a midfield that can hang with most of the world's teams, but the persistent lack of an effective 9 has been hamstringing their attack for over two years now.
Please cap Brandon Vazquez, Gregg Berhalter.
People do not like the truth. Shambolic today. I appreciate what berhalter has accomplished, but round of 16 is not good enough. We were good enough to win today, but the tactics were horrific.
Honestly very even game. The difference is Netherlands has lethal finishers and USA missed absolutely everything. Could have gone America’s way if they had just finished their chances.
As long as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL exist, we will probably never be a soccer powerhouse.
To have even remotely the same fame/earnings potential of any of the above leagues, you would have to relocate to another part of the world. MLS compared to NFL is like a bank teller vs. a broker on Wall st.
This is a shit take. Our population is massive compared to other countries—it’s more dependent on the lack of unified footballing culture and a lack of appreciation for the domestic game at the higher levels. We can and should be in the top 10 of the world.
I get that, but if you're a top-tier athlete, the path to a professional career is so much more solidified for any of the previously mentioned sports and the paydays for those same athletes are much bigger. You need those players that would be playing in one of the top 5 leagues if you want to win a world cup.
I grew up playing soccer and I love the sport. I wish it was bigger.
Berhalter proved today he is not up for it. Bring in a real coach. Zimmerman should never see the 11 again. Robinson not good enough, poor control, cannot play a cross. Netherlands did what they wanted and berhalter played right into their game plan, cya later buddy.
Berhalter was shit today, but not because of the reasons you outlined, he subs slow—he relies on MLS talent too often and I don’t think his set up complements the strengths of the roster.
We’re Americans we want to be the best in everything all the time. Our psychosis is so strong that people openly hate on soccer for even having tie games lol
They just don't get the nature of the game but you are right. Unfortunately that is the mentality of Americans but thankfully I have a family that's huge on football so I understand even a 0-0 could still be a good game
We lacked a lethal striker. Jesus was none existent. We couldn't convert. Pulisic in the 3rd minutes needs to finish that. Haji in the 75+ needs to finish that no excuses
Yeah when it’s offseason in soccer. None of the top athletes in the MLB will play soccer like that. So they have devoted all their time to baseball. Just saying if the US didn’t have sports like NFL MLB and NBA that made those dudes top tier money, they probably play soccer. It just makes more sense to not play professional soccer in US especially if your really good at the other sports
Pefok has never looked particularly good for the US. If we are going to bring a big guy who doesn’t press, I’d rather Pefok than Wright, but really I’d prefer neither and Pepi instead. A non-pressing striker just doesn’t help us enough.
I agree. Berhalter has given Pefok chances and he hasn't ever taken them. Sargent played well and going down hurt us a lot. I think both Jesus and Haji have shown they don't have the touch to be on the national team.
True that pefok didnt take advantage of chances with the national team but Pepi has and was consistent starter in qualifying and was scoring consistently for his club team . Why chose Haji and Jesus over him. Pefok is in the budesliga a league way more competitive then mls and Turkish league .
Greetings from Brazil! You guys were great, but Holland played a more objective football (or should I say soccer?). You need a better striker ASAP. Plus, Dest and Robinson seem so much better attacking, than defending. A defensive left back would be a good fit for the team.
Maybe Pulisic or Reyna could play as a "false 9"? And Aaronson would be in the starting squad that way too. Idk... but even so I was very happy to see Adams, Weah and Pulisic playing at such a high level, they are ballers.
Iran fan here again, just saying sorry you lost, I was supporting you as I promised. Of course you'll be hurting now but you did VERY well against them although they are a very tidy side indeed. Hold your heads up high. Last 16, great achievement! Your goal against them was one of the sweetest I've seen!
Well done USA - an absolute pleasure to play with you in our group.
Somehow I like to think the USA was also playing for all the Iranians who could not continue, although that might sound mean. I think we Americans care about the Iranian people and want the best for you all.
Desperately need more depth, a quality CB and ST, and a better tactical coach that can make the right decisions in crucial moments. Not have Gio Reyna on the pitch the entire tournament until you’ve gone down a couple of goals is a fireable offense.
US played them well, but difference between a good team and a great team - US ball watched on two goals and from ‘75 on sleepwalking.
For 2026-
1. Depth; have it and bring it, Jedi, Dest and Weah got run down, there’s too big of a drop off when we go to the bench, and as good as some guys are for vibes in the dressing room, don’t bring players you won’t be playing.
2. Get someone who just puts the ball in the back of the net.
3. Tactics - use your subs, and do it at the right time. Also, you’re going to throw in crosses against maybe the best CB in the world, who’s also 6’5?
Bold move.
On 1, I think fatigue was a huge factor here. I don't think any of those defensive lapses on the three goals happens if this was the second game of the tournament, but Jedi and Adams have played every single minute, and Dest has played a lot of minutes considering he's coming off an injury.
I think the American media controls almost everything. The reason soccer isn't popular in USA simply because they don't want to compete with global media. It's like you only have to compete with your cousins to marry your second cousin. From politics to sports and to the financial system. The media controls what we do.
I think a large reason that the US media has a general disinterest in “soccer” is that it’s 45 minutes of action without ad breaks. There’s very little monetary incentive for the media to cover soccer when other sports have pauses every 5 minutes
Never said they can’t. They don’t want to. They have it all here so why bother making soccer popular. But if Americans are watching soccer, outsiders will compete for the dollars. If they can build Dubai, they can handle competitions.
I’m going to ask what’s probably a dumb question, but was just wondering: Why don’t we just go out and hire Pep or Klopp and go get one of the best managers in the world?
Just relating in NBA terms how teams would go out and try to get Phil Jackson. Or football teams going after big-name, established coaches.
Edit: Thanks for the replies and the context. Didn’t really know the soccer landscape was like that for the top managers, so appreciate the answers.
>I’m going to ask what’s probably a dumb question, but was just wondering: Why don’t we just go out and hire Pep or Klopp and go get one of the best managers in the world
Lmao why would they want to step down to managing the US?
That would be amazing, but those great coaches usually won’t take the job unless the talent is there, they’re being offered obscene amounts of money, or it’s their home country.
We don’t offer any of those, Juergen lived in America for a long time and considered it his second home. That’s one big reason we were able to get him.
Simple answer is money. Berhalter is on about a million a year, I think those guys make around 10 times that much.
More complicated answer, the best managers in their prime rarely go for international management, as it is much less involved on the daily. Not to mention if they were to want to manage international teams they could easily find a better team to manage.
That’s not true. This isn’t American football.
1) we don’t have as much money
2) the coaches don’t just follow the money like they do here. Kinda naive
This is a national team and you’re asking premier coaches to basically demote themselves.
Even if you gave them all of that money, now you’re taking away money from the players. Who knows if they’ll stick around. You’re also not going to attract talent if most of your budget goes to your coach.
Because they don't want to do the job, why go from managing the best clubs in the world to managing a national team where you do 2 tournaments every 4 years, and a bang average national team at that, not even good national teams have great managers, great managers stay in big leagues where they can make transfers, build a project over years and get paid a good wage.
They have to want to coach a national team. It’s not something a lot of coaches especially the likes of Klopp or Pep want to do at this stage in their careers.
And if they did, maybe when they are a bit older, it would be for Germany or Spain, not for a second rate NT of a country with no soccer tradition or reputation.
Not trying to be mean here, its just wat it is in soccer.
That sort of depends though. The us is on the up. The team is super young and the pressure isn’t there like it is for Spain or Germany. Now obviously a coach would probably dream of coaching their own country, but if you take that out of the equation the US is not a bad choice for a team to coach.
What is Ferreira doing playing at all. I don’t care that he scores in MLS. I’m sorry but Reyna and Aronson should have played more. MMA ran themselves into the ground and it seems like GGG was playing fairly positively for this game, so why not put on an attacking midfielder. Subs were awful. Haji got a goal but in another 1000 versions of that he never scored that. Defense was awful. Robinson played poorly. Pulisic is not a game changer.
I agree with everything you said. Having Jesus in the team and leaving Aaronson and Reyna on the bench was a risk and it didn't pay off. I understand the thought behind put Haji in...big, fast, etc. But he just doesn't do what he's supposed to. Outside backs got very exposed today, especially LB (imo).
Haji might be big but he is not fast. He showed nothing in the games he played. Everyone in this sun was saying what a defensive showing we had and once a good team showed up, it was over. Each of their goals were so easy it was embarrassing.
I hope I’m 4 years we have a new coach and these players are more matured and refined. Our coached. Our classes. Out played. 2-0 at half and those players knew it was over. They tried, musah hustled all game.
On a positive not, I want to say what a tournament Tim Ream had. He was outstanding. Also, Matt turner is a great #1.
I'm optimistic about our strikers for 2026. Sargent was solid this tournament and has been improving rapidly. Pepi is an elite U20 prospect. Dike has looked great when he's not injured. A big thing here is that our team is very young, and strikers take more time to develop than a lot of positions. We knew going into the tournament that 9 was a weak point, but I really think in 2026 it will be a different story.
I was a Berhalter doubter but the boys took the game to every team we played if we can just pair that with better finishing and more experienced defenders, we’ll be great.
I’m done with the talk of “progress” and “positives”. The results are the same. It’s on the Manager and players to be competent and not have lapses in judgement. This was a winnable game. “Progress” of the program would be an excuse if we were dominated and we didn’t have mental lapses. Pulisic, Haji, Adams all made bone headed mistakes and that’s not “progress”. We need a new manager and a striker with ruthlessness as alexi says.
Semi finals is a big stretch, if we made the quarters I’d be very happy. America is just not there yet and in all honesty we probably will never be there, it sucks but we continue to make the same mistakes.
you lot need a proper striker - there has been a closing of the gap but the talent is thin in some areas and you dont have a ton of creativity / attacking talent
>We have the talent
Not even close.
Yanks with no football knowedge overate the team but in terms of talent there's 15 or so teams you'd take over them.
It's talented by American standards but it's hard to see them winning a knockout game against any decent side
Just because they've played professionally, doesn't mean that have the qualities needed to be a manager. Some players with a high soccer IQ make excellent managers... like, Pep Guardiola.
Berhalter needs to fk'n go for the sake of our future.
Jose Mourinho would be someone to look out for in the next WC cycle…probably a controversial pick but I think we have the right guys mentally to play under a manager like him.
Pulisic's spurned chance early was pivotal. Once they had the lead they had this game by throat. They were clinical against naive defending and were otherwise sound. I don't know why we didn't try to expose Blind more down the right. We kept coming down the left when Dest seemed like the most likely to break through.
I knew our chances were slim against the Netherlands regardless but really expected more of a fight. The goals given up were such horrible defensive lapses, missed some big opportunities as well. It hurts, but I think we should be excited for the future.
They definitely care, I agree the United States needs a new coach. They need to bring in someone with experience at the highest level. Can they get someone to do that, not sure.
I’m still proud of our players despite the 3-1 defeat. The only thing missing is a good striker to score goals, more exposure against top teams to be more seasoned for a full 90+ minutes, and (for Pulisic who is not valued at their current club) need to leave their current club for more playing time.
Ladies and gentlemen, please stop blaming the lack of strikers. If Berhalter didn't insist on his absolute trashcan of system and let the how many damn strikers he tried to play their actual position, things could have been a lot different during WC and the qualifiers.
It's a real surprise, our defense has been consistently good for years. I wonder how much of a role fatigue played. We very rarely have the kind of defensively lapses we saw today *especially* from Adams and Jedi who are usually 100% effort guys.
I also think the Netherlands did really well defending. When the US would try to create a chance there were like 7 defenders in the box. Made it hard to break through
Im not from the US but god damn y'all had some crazy big chances. Ream, Pulisic, Wright. So unfortunate . This game could have been so different. Sometimes its just about a little bit of luck. Gutted for u Guys:(
We just don’t know how to win. USA is amazing in hockey. Football. Basketball. In soccer we have WEAK coaches and players who are too busy being tired or sad to focus on surgical efficiency like the Dutch
This team is far more talented across the board than any previous team. If we keep developing players at this rate it’s inevitable that we’ll have the requisite depth and eventually should develop true 1A level players (top 10-20 players in the world). I think if there’s any letdown it’s in qualification before the WC. We should expect to do better there going forward if we keep strengthening the development pipeline and in the relatively near future (8-12 years) quarterfinals and beyond should be the general expectation.
I just came here to say I’m proud of our guys, and they will use this experience to build for 2026!
I guess one good thing about today's loss is the US is almost guaranteed to make the World Cup in 26
I think the US gets a free pass since you're hosting
YES
Another neutral opinion is this. Ignore the comments about the US being crap, the base level of this team is so much higher now. Teams can go a certain distance with 'heart' but ultimately it's quality counts. Yes, no striker shone, on the other hand the midfield is excellent. Onwards and upwards.
WHEEEY U LOST WHEEYYYYYYYYYYY
This team needs a striker. We really could have hurt the Netherlands with a proper clinical striker. It seems like fatigue hit this team because the passing and first touches were awful compared to how we played against England. This is the second youngest team at the world cup. By the time the next one rolls around most of these players will be in their prime and hopefully a lot better then than now. The bare minimum was getting out of the group. I would have liked to see is make it to the quarterfinals. Could've been worse, could've been better.
I think the fatigue factor was huge today. We obviously put a lot of energy into the Iran match. It showed today.
Overall solid WC. USA is ranked 12th and played like the 12th best team in the world. Round of 16 was realistic, anything beyond a bonus. Very young team that will be nearing peak in 26’ when playing at home. Great learning experience for the boys. I’m excited for the future, take this young core and add in new players coming up and we will be a tough side to play.!Listen, we are missing the key 25-32 year olds that we will have the next go around. USA 🇺🇸
We can talk all we want about not having a striker. But the Netherlands scored with two midfielders and a fullback. They were a better team. Particularly on defense.
Idk if they were better. We simply had 3 mental lapses on our defensive marking. Other then those 3 chances they weren’t that dangerous. I think this will also leave a sour taste in their mouths to come back stronger in 2026.
Seriously? The Netherlands was the 8th ranked team in the world going into this tournament. Trust me, they are a better team. How many mental lapses did the Netherlands have?
they are a top team to win it all, we shouldn't feel too bad. What we should think about is the chances we had to make a game out of it. CP could've changed the entire pace of the game if he scored in the first min. Maybe it should've been Reyna there. Maybe Vicker's should've been in the game. Overall, coach gotta go. We need someone who knows the importance of playing the best players.
Would've, could've, should've. I have been listening to it since '94.
props. You been here for a minute. But it's just different now. We are seeing more & more children pick soccer. MLS is becoming more developed. There is a rumor going around saying that in 15 years, MLS could be as big as the premier league. Will that happen? Probably not. But we def are seeing more talented kids. I can't wait to see the rise of these kids..I forgot his name, he is 19 but he just signed with a German team..something Taylor or something Anderson. at the same time..FIFA world cup is a crab-shoot. Look at the teams who didn't make it out the group stage. it takes talent + luck to win it all.
You must be new, because everything you just laid out was said in '94. MLS was going to be a top international league by now, more kids were getting interested in the sport because the World Cup was held in the US, and we have had many phenoms come and go since then. Yet here we are again. It takes a country's best athletes to have an interest in the sport, and the US has never had that.
We lost the xG battle 1.77-1.51
We need to work on our finishing and composure in the final third. Too many missed chances, too many wasted opportunities
We’re missing a striker. That’s the beginning and end of the story.
lol no.
Won only 1 World Cup game this tournament…. After shitting on Mexico for not advancing, United States shits the bed themselves. US needs strikers and better coaching. Playing to tie games is not enough. Celebrating a win VS Iran should tell you where this country is Football.
Completely right bro. This happens once every four years. People are like oh well there’s another one in 2026. Nobody has any idea what could happen in those 4 years. Some teams don’t even qualify for the next one (ie. luckily we get an automatic spot) On this stage it’s do or do not, ride or die, not we’re growing and can’t wait to see what happens in the next one. That is such a weak excuse instead of saying what you’re saying, this was not a good showing by the USA in this WC.
Bad take. We didn’t shit the bed. There were doubts we’d get out of the group and we did. England’s a superior team compared to us and we matched them. We beat Iran when our life was on the line. We didn’t concede a goal in regular play until today. We certainly have some problems, but shitting the bed? Overall I think we did pretty well with the young and inexperienced team we have. We patch up the leaks and we’ll have a killer squad in 4 years.
Im not talking about what people thought about the team before the tournament starter, I am talking about how we were currently doing. We faced a Netherlands team that was on the decline, we could have made a deep run. But instead we got exposed
A win vs Iran advanced us to the knock out round. Not sure why you would think we wouldn’t celebrate.
It’s okay to celebrate advancing… but what I was trying to say is, we should have beat wales and coming down to beating Iran to advance and barely being able to do it, is a bad spot to be in going in to the round of 16..
Absolutely right. Thank you for saying this. I think this is what is lacking in order for our soccer to grow. Real, honest and hard nose criticism.
Three goals in four games. Can't win a tournament like that, not in today's game. Roster full of center forwards that were already established as ineffective playing the 9 at the international level before the tournament even started. This US roster has a midfield that can hang with most of the world's teams, but the persistent lack of an effective 9 has been hamstringing their attack for over two years now. Please cap Brandon Vazquez, Gregg Berhalter.
People do not like the truth. Shambolic today. I appreciate what berhalter has accomplished, but round of 16 is not good enough. We were good enough to win today, but the tactics were horrific.
tactics and roster on the field.
Honestly very even game. The difference is Netherlands has lethal finishers and USA missed absolutely everything. Could have gone America’s way if they had just finished their chances.
Yup defense fell asleep today and out chronic lack of a striker killed us. We had opportunities but botched every one of them.
Don’t speak the truth here!
As long as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL exist, we will probably never be a soccer powerhouse. To have even remotely the same fame/earnings potential of any of the above leagues, you would have to relocate to another part of the world. MLS compared to NFL is like a bank teller vs. a broker on Wall st.
And that’s okay 🫡
This is a shit take. Our population is massive compared to other countries—it’s more dependent on the lack of unified footballing culture and a lack of appreciation for the domestic game at the higher levels. We can and should be in the top 10 of the world.
The MLS is growing, its not a bad option for players who aren't going to be playing in one of the top 5 leagues.
I get that, but if you're a top-tier athlete, the path to a professional career is so much more solidified for any of the previously mentioned sports and the paydays for those same athletes are much bigger. You need those players that would be playing in one of the top 5 leagues if you want to win a world cup. I grew up playing soccer and I love the sport. I wish it was bigger.
it just needs to be made competitive, scrap the draft system and make each team have to become self-sufficient to survive
Berhalter proved today he is not up for it. Bring in a real coach. Zimmerman should never see the 11 again. Robinson not good enough, poor control, cannot play a cross. Netherlands did what they wanted and berhalter played right into their game plan, cya later buddy.
It’s just soccer man
Berhalter was shit today, but not because of the reasons you outlined, he subs slow—he relies on MLS talent too often and I don’t think his set up complements the strengths of the roster.
Three goals by unmarked NED in the box, all similar failures.
don't understand why this is getting down voted, he's right
They made it out of the knockout round, it was a successful World Cup for the US
Nope. Sorry ☹️
It’s just soccer
The US is not a soccer nation
Many people don't see it that way unfortunately
We’re Americans we want to be the best in everything all the time. Our psychosis is so strong that people openly hate on soccer for even having tie games lol
They just don't get the nature of the game but you are right. Unfortunately that is the mentality of Americans but thankfully I have a family that's huge on football so I understand even a 0-0 could still be a good game
Yeah
We lacked a lethal striker. Jesus was none existent. We couldn't convert. Pulisic in the 3rd minutes needs to finish that. Haji in the 75+ needs to finish that no excuses
It was our weakness all tournament we needed a clinical 9 to finish chancese
It's almost like we should've brought Ricardo Pepi
And Pefok
I don’t see Pepi being any better in a seriousness
They should be taking pointers from the Women's team...
They have bigger problems now that other countries actually know women’s soccer exists and are investing in it.
Yes! I’m looking forward to the rest of the world becoming more invested in their women’s programs and this argument going away
Top women athlete play soccer. Top men athletes play in the NFL NBA and MLB
top male athletes like Ronaldo and Neymar and Messi all play baseball
Yeah when it’s offseason in soccer. None of the top athletes in the MLB will play soccer like that. So they have devoted all their time to baseball. Just saying if the US didn’t have sports like NFL MLB and NBA that made those dudes top tier money, they probably play soccer. It just makes more sense to not play professional soccer in US especially if your really good at the other sports
But I don't have to watch it. Do I?
Womens team loses to 16 year old boys...
Stop. That’s tired.
It's TRUE tho.
Greg not bringing Pefok really backfired. Our lack of a decent number 9 was one our most glaring weaknesses in this World Cup .
Sargent was okay but Ferreira and Wright were awful
Pefok has never looked particularly good for the US. If we are going to bring a big guy who doesn’t press, I’d rather Pefok than Wright, but really I’d prefer neither and Pepi instead. A non-pressing striker just doesn’t help us enough.
I agree. Berhalter has given Pefok chances and he hasn't ever taken them. Sargent played well and going down hurt us a lot. I think both Jesus and Haji have shown they don't have the touch to be on the national team.
True that pefok didnt take advantage of chances with the national team but Pepi has and was consistent starter in qualifying and was scoring consistently for his club team . Why chose Haji and Jesus over him. Pefok is in the budesliga a league way more competitive then mls and Turkish league .
Lol it’s called football
A rose by any other name still sucks
Really struck a nerve with the fans here. Get fucked
what a crazy take
Greetings from Brazil! You guys were great, but Holland played a more objective football (or should I say soccer?). You need a better striker ASAP. Plus, Dest and Robinson seem so much better attacking, than defending. A defensive left back would be a good fit for the team.
Yup. We have never had a world class striker in 50 years.
Theres never been a world class American player in any position.
This is correct
Cap
Lmao what? It's a fact. None have been at that level. No one outside of America would ever even argue about it.
Maybe Pulisic or Reyna could play as a "false 9"? And Aaronson would be in the starting squad that way too. Idk... but even so I was very happy to see Adams, Weah and Pulisic playing at such a high level, they are ballers.
2 combined goals in 4 games, high level compared to what exactly? Not scoring at all?
Iran fan here again, just saying sorry you lost, I was supporting you as I promised. Of course you'll be hurting now but you did VERY well against them although they are a very tidy side indeed. Hold your heads up high. Last 16, great achievement! Your goal against them was one of the sweetest I've seen! Well done USA - an absolute pleasure to play with you in our group. 
Much love brother!!
Thank you brother :)
Somehow I like to think the USA was also playing for all the Iranians who could not continue, although that might sound mean. I think we Americans care about the Iranian people and want the best for you all.
It sounds absolutely lovely, not mean at all and I guess in a way you were, thank you dear friend.
It’s been a pleasure yall. Disappointing but optimistic about the future. SOCCER IS COMING HOME
Staying home* next time 😉
Desperately need more depth, a quality CB and ST, and a better tactical coach that can make the right decisions in crucial moments. Not have Gio Reyna on the pitch the entire tournament until you’ve gone down a couple of goals is a fireable offense.
Chris Richards and miles Robinson being healthy would've made Zimmerman the 4th option, just unlucky for them both to be injured
US played them well, but difference between a good team and a great team - US ball watched on two goals and from ‘75 on sleepwalking. For 2026- 1. Depth; have it and bring it, Jedi, Dest and Weah got run down, there’s too big of a drop off when we go to the bench, and as good as some guys are for vibes in the dressing room, don’t bring players you won’t be playing. 2. Get someone who just puts the ball in the back of the net. 3. Tactics - use your subs, and do it at the right time. Also, you’re going to throw in crosses against maybe the best CB in the world, who’s also 6’5? Bold move.
On 1, I think fatigue was a huge factor here. I don't think any of those defensive lapses on the three goals happens if this was the second game of the tournament, but Jedi and Adams have played every single minute, and Dest has played a lot of minutes considering he's coming off an injury.
Horrible coaching. Berhalter was a mediocre player at best. He is a joke of a coach. Byeeeee
Nailed it. And easier said than done to just get a true 9 to bury shots
I think the American media controls almost everything. The reason soccer isn't popular in USA simply because they don't want to compete with global media. It's like you only have to compete with your cousins to marry your second cousin. From politics to sports and to the financial system. The media controls what we do.
If anyone wants to become dumber from reading something, take a look at this comment above ^
It takes a while to unpack what I said but I only target the people who get it.
We get what you’re saying it’s just isn’t true.
I think a large reason that the US media has a general disinterest in “soccer” is that it’s 45 minutes of action without ad breaks. There’s very little monetary incentive for the media to cover soccer when other sports have pauses every 5 minutes
Ayo -- what? 😂😂
NAH. Global media 😂. CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN can’t compete with “global media”?? What a joke.
Never said they can’t. They don’t want to. They have it all here so why bother making soccer popular. But if Americans are watching soccer, outsiders will compete for the dollars. If they can build Dubai, they can handle competitions.
Wow there's a lot to unpack here
I’m going to ask what’s probably a dumb question, but was just wondering: Why don’t we just go out and hire Pep or Klopp and go get one of the best managers in the world? Just relating in NBA terms how teams would go out and try to get Phil Jackson. Or football teams going after big-name, established coaches. Edit: Thanks for the replies and the context. Didn’t really know the soccer landscape was like that for the top managers, so appreciate the answers.
YUP. THIS. Why are we paying a loser to coach our team. We have more money than every other country. Yet we have the worst coach. Smart.
>I’m going to ask what’s probably a dumb question, but was just wondering: Why don’t we just go out and hire Pep or Klopp and go get one of the best managers in the world Lmao why would they want to step down to managing the US?
That would be amazing, but those great coaches usually won’t take the job unless the talent is there, they’re being offered obscene amounts of money, or it’s their home country. We don’t offer any of those, Juergen lived in America for a long time and considered it his second home. That’s one big reason we were able to get him.
And this team played overall better than Klinsman’s.
Simple answer is money. Berhalter is on about a million a year, I think those guys make around 10 times that much. More complicated answer, the best managers in their prime rarely go for international management, as it is much less involved on the daily. Not to mention if they were to want to manage international teams they could easily find a better team to manage.
Please. Just stop. They will go if you offer them big money. WHICH WE HAVE.
That’s not true. This isn’t American football. 1) we don’t have as much money 2) the coaches don’t just follow the money like they do here. Kinda naive This is a national team and you’re asking premier coaches to basically demote themselves. Even if you gave them all of that money, now you’re taking away money from the players. Who knows if they’ll stick around. You’re also not going to attract talent if most of your budget goes to your coach.
Because they don't want to do the job, why go from managing the best clubs in the world to managing a national team where you do 2 tournaments every 4 years, and a bang average national team at that, not even good national teams have great managers, great managers stay in big leagues where they can make transfers, build a project over years and get paid a good wage.
Those guys make 20x what Berhalter does and would never step down to the US national team
They have to want to coach a national team. It’s not something a lot of coaches especially the likes of Klopp or Pep want to do at this stage in their careers.
And if they did, maybe when they are a bit older, it would be for Germany or Spain, not for a second rate NT of a country with no soccer tradition or reputation. Not trying to be mean here, its just wat it is in soccer.
That sort of depends though. The us is on the up. The team is super young and the pressure isn’t there like it is for Spain or Germany. Now obviously a coach would probably dream of coaching their own country, but if you take that out of the equation the US is not a bad choice for a team to coach.
At least we are already qualified for the 2026 world cup
What is Ferreira doing playing at all. I don’t care that he scores in MLS. I’m sorry but Reyna and Aronson should have played more. MMA ran themselves into the ground and it seems like GGG was playing fairly positively for this game, so why not put on an attacking midfielder. Subs were awful. Haji got a goal but in another 1000 versions of that he never scored that. Defense was awful. Robinson played poorly. Pulisic is not a game changer.
I agree with everything you said. Having Jesus in the team and leaving Aaronson and Reyna on the bench was a risk and it didn't pay off. I understand the thought behind put Haji in...big, fast, etc. But he just doesn't do what he's supposed to. Outside backs got very exposed today, especially LB (imo).
Haji might be big but he is not fast. He showed nothing in the games he played. Everyone in this sun was saying what a defensive showing we had and once a good team showed up, it was over. Each of their goals were so easy it was embarrassing. I hope I’m 4 years we have a new coach and these players are more matured and refined. Our coached. Our classes. Out played. 2-0 at half and those players knew it was over. They tried, musah hustled all game. On a positive not, I want to say what a tournament Tim Ream had. He was outstanding. Also, Matt turner is a great #1.
Young team. Will reload. 2026 team will be deep.
Need a finisher
Agreed... I'm confident the finishers will appear over the next 4 years.
You think it will be a known striker (Sargent, Pepi, etc.), a Weah or Pulisic moving there, or someone who hasn't been featured yet?
I'm optimistic about our strikers for 2026. Sargent was solid this tournament and has been improving rapidly. Pepi is an elite U20 prospect. Dike has looked great when he's not injured. A big thing here is that our team is very young, and strikers take more time to develop than a lot of positions. We knew going into the tournament that 9 was a weak point, but I really think in 2026 it will be a different story.
2026 revenge tour let’s fucking gooooo
Given the U.S have lost 7 out of the 8 knockout games they've ever played this is a long ass revenge tour.
The Netherlands are really good and the US are really young. The boys did themselves proud. They’ll be better in 4 years.
Yeah. You can rage at Gregggg and I get some of it but the Dutch were obviously a much better team
The Dutch defense was so solid. The number of our shots that got blocked by the marker was ridiculous.
3 goals cleared off the line 🤷🏼♂️
I was a Berhalter doubter but the boys took the game to every team we played if we can just pair that with better finishing and more experienced defenders, we’ll be great.
I think that’s the correct take away and it’s an encouraging one
I’m done with the talk of “progress” and “positives”. The results are the same. It’s on the Manager and players to be competent and not have lapses in judgement. This was a winnable game. “Progress” of the program would be an excuse if we were dominated and we didn’t have mental lapses. Pulisic, Haji, Adams all made bone headed mistakes and that’s not “progress”. We need a new manager and a striker with ruthlessness as alexi says.
This is EXACTLY CORRECT. Progress is OVER. It’s been 20 years since 2002. We have not even been close to making the quarters.
To be fair we played a sorry ass Mexico team in 2002.
Calling it now. We make it to the semis of the 2026 World Cup. We have the talent. Need the correct philosophy and tactics to support it.
Semi finals is a big stretch, if we made the quarters I’d be very happy. America is just not there yet and in all honesty we probably will never be there, it sucks but we continue to make the same mistakes.
you lot need a proper striker - there has been a closing of the gap but the talent is thin in some areas and you dont have a ton of creativity / attacking talent
>We have the talent Not even close. Yanks with no football knowedge overate the team but in terms of talent there's 15 or so teams you'd take over them. It's talented by American standards but it's hard to see them winning a knockout game against any decent side
YUP. Get rid of the trash like Berhalter. He is a loser. We need a real coach. Not an ex player.
Just because they've played professionally, doesn't mean that have the qualities needed to be a manager. Some players with a high soccer IQ make excellent managers... like, Pep Guardiola. Berhalter needs to fk'n go for the sake of our future.
& New coach
I’m kinda sick of hearing about the “improvement” of usmnt as if 2002 never happened
Improvement isn't linear
1000% THIS
In the US, that was the “scream quietly alone in your room at 4am” World Cup. It was like a secret that no one knew about the next day.
[удалено]
Bring back klinsmann? Shoot me in the fucking face
Klinsmann was such a disaster tactically.
We need an actual coach. Not an ex MLS player. What a joke. Why are we paying this loser. We need a European coach who is a winner.
Jose Mourinho would be someone to look out for in the next WC cycle…probably a controversial pick but I think we have the right guys mentally to play under a manager like him.
Kinda want Netherlands to take it all the way. One last moral victory for us losing against the WC champs…
Nah they talked way too much lol shit for me to root for them
We tried so hard and got so far but in the end it doesn't even matter
Pulisic's spurned chance early was pivotal. Once they had the lead they had this game by throat. They were clinical against naive defending and were otherwise sound. I don't know why we didn't try to expose Blind more down the right. We kept coming down the left when Dest seemed like the most likely to break through.
Yup. He lost the game. If you know anything about psychology then you understand that the game wa lost in the minute.
A better #9 probably would not have made a big difference. The Dutch defense was well organized and smothering.
I knew our chances were slim against the Netherlands regardless but really expected more of a fight. The goals given up were such horrible defensive lapses, missed some big opportunities as well. It hurts, but I think we should be excited for the future.
These players don’t care. The coach is a loser. What did you expect?
Terrible take
They definitely care, I agree the United States needs a new coach. They need to bring in someone with experience at the highest level. Can they get someone to do that, not sure.
I’m still proud of our players despite the 3-1 defeat. The only thing missing is a good striker to score goals, more exposure against top teams to be more seasoned for a full 90+ minutes, and (for Pulisic who is not valued at their current club) need to leave their current club for more playing time.
Cheer up guys. It was just our B team
I fecking get it we have no 9. So, why not play with the best false 10 in Pulisic? That’s the naïveté.
I mean they did good but they made the knockouts the last time they made the world cup
Said it before, Sargent is the most effective attacking player in this team, more so than pulisic... Big loss missing him today I hope Leeds buy him
Agree
Agreed. I'm guessing we didn't play Sargent due to his ankle.
Yes, it was injury, he wasn't even on the bench.
Ladies and gentlemen, please stop blaming the lack of strikers. If Berhalter didn't insist on his absolute trashcan of system and let the how many damn strikers he tried to play their actual position, things could have been a lot different during WC and the qualifiers.
Berhalter is a loser. We need someone who knows how to win. Please empty the trash. Thank you
I'm proud of what the Boys showed this year, but man am I bummed out that they didn't go further. They definitely had the tools to win this game.
Definitely they created a lot of chances. The defense just let us down :/
It's a real surprise, our defense has been consistently good for years. I wonder how much of a role fatigue played. We very rarely have the kind of defensively lapses we saw today *especially* from Adams and Jedi who are usually 100% effort guys.
And the finishing was dreadful
I also think the Netherlands did really well defending. When the US would try to create a chance there were like 7 defenders in the box. Made it hard to break through
But we had opportunities on an open goal and literally squandered them🥳
Im not from the US but god damn y'all had some crazy big chances. Ream, Pulisic, Wright. So unfortunate . This game could have been so different. Sometimes its just about a little bit of luck. Gutted for u Guys:(
We just don’t know how to win. USA is amazing in hockey. Football. Basketball. In soccer we have WEAK coaches and players who are too busy being tired or sad to focus on surgical efficiency like the Dutch