The United States went a game further than Canada, but the situation after their elimination against the Netherlands is much the same.
• Also read: It’s over for the US
“We wanted to show the rest of the world that we could play football and I think we partially succeeded in that,” said coach Gregg Berhalter initially.
“This group is close”
Looking ahead to 2026, Berhalter roughly summarized what the Canadians said a few days ago.
“You have to ask yourself if you can win against the best teams and do well against the best teams. I think this group is close, Americans should be optimistic. »
Denzel Dumfries from the Netherlands agreed.
“It is a young and energetic team destined for a bright future. I believe this team can be part of the elite. »
More quality
This elimination essentially amounts to a quality surplus in the Dutch warehouse.
“It’s hard for us to swallow, the boys gave their all in this game, but we didn’t come up well,” admitted Berhalter.
“Holland have an offensive finishing quality that we lack,” he admitted. That’s normal, we’re a young team, we don’t have any top-career players, we don’t have a Memphis Depay. »
In doing so, he summed up what everyone who watched before this game was saying: this team doesn’t have a top striker who can change the game.
Berhalter believes his side played a good first half but failed to get the Dutch to let them have the ball.
“We had the ball for most of the first half but in two moments they scored and we were two goals behind. »
A very good chance
The picture could have looked different if Christian Pulisic had put the ball in the back of the goal with a very good chance in the first minutes of the game.
“I was thrilled that we had a good scoring chance and we can’t finish them all. It depends on how you react afterwards. »
Attitude
At the same time, he reminded that his team does not play against celery sticks.
“Holland must be credited for creating and capitalizing on these opportunities. »
The Dutch set a trap in the US and stumbled right into it, said coach Louis van Gaal.
“The Americans didn’t adapt, we planned our tactics to attack their flanks, which allowed us to win. »
methodical
The Netherlands were very methodical in that win and on the day of the game, Denzel Dumfries claimed the goals proved the effectiveness of such a well-established system of play.
“In that first goal you see all facets of what we are working on in training, from ball movement to permutations. »
“Those goals were really fantastic and I’m incredibly proud,” said Van Gaal of the three goals, which all looked like a family.