Berhalter insists USA 'left everything out there' in World Cup draw

Gregg Berhalter insists USA ‘left everything out there’ in disappointing Wales World Cup draw but admits his team struggled when Gareth Bale’s men went more direct in second half

  • Timothy Weah scored the opening goal for the United States in the first half 
  • Wales increased the pressure on the USA after making changes at half time
  • Berhalter pointed out that his team played hard and was effective on counterattacks 
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United States Men’s National team coach Gregg Berhalter praised his team following the 1-1 draw against Wales in the team’s opening World Cup game. 

‘It was a hard-fought game. We left everything out there,’ Berhalter said following the game.

The United States got out to an early lead after Timothy Weah scored the first goal for the Americans, before a penalty from Gareth Bale tied the game at 1-1. 

Gregg Berhalter reacts on the sidelines during USA World Cup opener against Wales  

‘I think we lost a little bit of power. But in the same sense Wales stepped up their pressure.’

‘And we had some good counter attacking opportunities. But I thought the guys dealt with it well. You know we kept going till the end.’ 

‘Well, what I’d say Wales went very direct in the second half. And they’ve got a big team. And they made it difficult.’

‘So, I think we managed a lot of our pressure well. But when they hit long balls and played for second balls it becomes difficult.’ 

Timothy Weah of the U.S. celebrates scoring the USA’s first goal of the World Cup against Wales

 Weah of USA celebrates his goal with his teammates during the FIFA World Cup, group b match between United States and Wales

Even with the increased pressure from a Welsh side playing with their backs against the wall in the second half the United States still were able to maintain enough stability on defense from allowing too many clear-cut scoring opportunities throughout the second half.

The horror tackle from centerback Walker Zimmerman which sent Bale to the penalty spot would prove to be the pivotal moment in the game that cost the United States three points in their return to the World Cup. 

The USA will play England on Friday in what was already considered a huge match but will now have added pressure as it would do the United States a great deal of good to come away from the game with at least a point.

Walker Zimmerman of the U.S. concedes a penalty to Wales’ Gareth Bale after horrible tackle 

Bale converts the penalty to score their team’s first goal past Matt Turner of United States during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between USA and Wales

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