US coach Gregg Berhalter admits 3-1 loss to Holland is tough to take

‘It’s such a difficult one to handle’: USA coach Gregg Berhalter admits 3-1 loss to Holland is tough to take as his side ‘came up short’ as the Stars and Stripes crash out to Louis van Gaal’s clinical squad

  • The USA are out of the Qatar World Cup after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Holland 
  • Louis van Gaal’s men move on to the quarter-finals as the US head back home 
  • Christian Pulisic had a stellar chance to put the US ahead in the opening minutes
  • Haji Wright gave them brief hope before the Dutch ended it with a late third goal 
  • Click here for all your latest international Sports news from DailyMail.com 
  • Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results

USA coach Gregg Berhalter admits the 3-1 Round of 16 loss to Holland is a ‘difficult one to handle’ as the Stars and Stripes crashed out of the Qatar World Cup. 

The Americans put in a spirited display and had chances to progress but were ultimately outclassed by a more clinical Dutch side. 

‘We came up short today, but not for a lack of trying, not for a lack of effort,’ Berhalter said postgame to Fox Sports. 

‘I think the guys poured everything they had into this game, and unfortunately, we lost it. 

Gregg Berhalter consoled his star player Christian Pulisic following the final whistle Saturday

Holland progressed to the quarter-finals of the Qatar World Cup with a win over Team USA 

‘It’s such a difficult one to handle. It’s such a good group of guys, such a close group of guys.’

Berhalter’s team had captured the imagination of the US nation, with thousands back home scrambling to pubs and live sites to cheer on their heroes. 

While the result may be deflating, the coach offered to keep a broad perspective, while acknowledging their shortcomings.

‘Really proud,’ Berhalter said of his group. ‘When you think about this group and how they’ve come together over the last three-and-a-half years, It’s really special to see. 

A dejected US roster made sure to applaud its traveling fans before they both head back home

Pulisic, the USA’s main player, is consoled at full-time after the defeat by their impressive rivals

‘You don’t often get a bond like that between the teammates and the staff, and everyone. Really proud of this group but bitterly disappointed in the result tonight. 

‘I think we made some progress. You know, I think when people look at our team, they see a clear identity, they see guys that go out and fight for each other. 

‘They see talent on the field. So, we made progress. But on this particular night, we came up short.’

Denzel Dumfries capped off a superb display with a composed winner in the 80th minute

USA players rallied around one another despite their collective disappointment at the defeat

Source: Read Full Article