Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Berhalter: 'Ton of quality' from U.S. in Wales draw

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Thursday, 12 November 2020 15:46

United States coach Gregg Berhalter said his team showed a "ton of quality" during a 0-0 draw against Euro 2020 qualifiers Wales in Swansea on a night when Giovanni Reyna was one of six debutants for the Americans.

With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the international fixture schedule in recent months, this was the first U.S. game since a 1-0 win against Costa Rica in February and the first time Berhalter has selected his Europe-based players since last November.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

Reyna, Konrad de la Fuente, Yunus Musah, Johnny Cardoso, Nicholas Gioacchini and Ebeguowen Otasowie all highlighted the promise for the future by making their first appearances for the USMNT at the Liberty Stadium.

And despite Wales being without star names such as the rested Gareth Bale and injured Aaron Ramsey, Berhalter said the U.S. performance was one to be proud of.

"I was proud of them, we are starting to see some of the energy and dynamic I have talked about," Berhalter said. "Our defensive pressing was relentless all game, it unbalanced Wales and didn't let them set into a rhythm.

"We had two days to work together, just one full session the day before the game and to know that and see what they did today, I was pleased.

"We need to improve going forward, but six guys made their debut and I am really proud of their performance.

"We had a ton of quality. If you add Christian [Pulisic] into that team, that would have made a difference. It is a young team, a youthful lineup, but one we can build from."

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Reyna, Valencia forward Musah and Barca prospect De La Fuente all started on their debuts and Berhalter admitted all three made an impact.

"Konrad, he was coming into the game with moments of real quality," Berhalter said. "I like how he just hung in there.

"Gio showed real quality at times, he really did. For him, it was the fluidity on the ball and getting into positions to hurt the defence. He was a 17-year-old making his debut and he didn't look like that.

"Yunus was similar. Real quality on the ball, on a bouncy field under pressure. He was maybe lacking a final ball which we know he can deliver, but he worked really hard."

The U.S. faces Panama in Vienna on Monday, with Berhalter confirming that none of his players will return early to their clubs before the game.

And he said that the confidence displayed by his young team in Wales gives the U.S. solid foundations to build upon.

"We are still learning principles, how to take advantage of other teams weaknesses, and we didn't do that enough," he said. "But it's amazing how much ground those guys can cover in midfield.

"I think it's really important [to show swagger]. If you look at how we made Wales play at home, that's really impressive. They had low passing accuracy and possession, but our guys are confident and it showed."

Read 265 times

Soccer

Earthquakes snap 9-game skid with win over Fire

Earthquakes snap 9-game skid with win over Fire

Hernan Lopez scored in the 49th minute and the San Jose Earthquakes gave interim coach Ian Russell h...

LAFC-Dynamo match ppd. due to tropical storm

LAFC-Dynamo match ppd. due to tropical storm

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSunday's match between Los Angeles FC and the host Houston Dynamo F...

Bayern confirm signing of Palace's Michael Olise

Bayern confirm signing of Palace's Michael Olise

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMichael Olise has joined Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace, the clu...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Curry believes Warriors likely NBA's last dynasty

Curry believes Warriors likely NBA's last dynasty

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsStephen Curry said he doesn't think there will be another dynasty i...

Healthy Kawhi 'having a good time' with Team USA

Healthy Kawhi 'having a good time' with Team USA

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLAS VEGAS -- Kawhi Leonard admitted he was concerned about missing...

Baseball

Short-handed Reds acquire OF Slater from Giants

Short-handed Reds acquire OF Slater from Giants

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFresh off being swept at home by the Detroit Tigers in a weekend se...

Alonso commits to another Derby, eyes 3rd title

Alonso commits to another Derby, eyes 3rd title

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPete Alonso will participate in his fifth straight Home Run Derby,...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated