The hoped-for surprise failed to materialise despite the lead. National coach Gregg Berhalter revealed what lessons Team USA can learn from the defeat against Germany – and also commented on the return of Giovanni Reyna.
“We got off to a good start and hurt them,” said Christian Pulisic after the 3-1 defeat to Germany in the Test, but also pointed out that they made “easy mistakes”: “Defensively, we can be better.” It was noticeable that the Americans became more hesitant after a solid start and their own lead, thus giving the DFB team free space. The German team then took advantage of this.
“Of course it hurts,” Pulisic said of the defeat, stressing that the USA’s aim was to win games like this. “These are games where we have to find ways to win,” said the Milan man, who himself had scored a goal to make it 1-0 at the interval. “A great goal,” Pulisic knew, “but it doesn’t mean much” because they lost. “We want to win games like this. “
Berhalter speaks of “learning experience “
National coach Gregg Berhalter stressed the need to learn from the defeat. “This is a learning experience. We want to use games like this to learn how to be successful against top teams.” Looking back, the 50-year-old pointed out somewhat smugly that a game just lasts 90 minutes and not 45 minutes.
“In the first half we were really good, but then there were moments that didn’t go well,” Berhalter elaborated, noting, “We conceded the goals too easily. It’s also about controlling the tempo and we have to learn that. We lost so much energy – also on our counters – that it became difficult to stay consistent, to keep the basic defensive order. “
In all three goals conceded, the coordination between defence and midfield was not right: “Our organisation let us down a bit. It’s these moments, these fractions of a second, where you have to be well positioned and not offer any open spaces.” Berhalter also pointed out, however, that Germany is a “good team” and “with its quality” is able to tear open gaps and “create scoring chances”.
On a positive note, however, he said his players had seen how a top team “can combine quickly in a confined space”, which was important for the further development of the young US team. But the bottom line is: “It was a good learning experience for the group. And we know we have to be better if we want to win.”
The match also marked the return of Giovanni Reyna, who made his first appearance in the squad after his post-World Cup falling out with his coach – and got to start straight away. “We thought 45 minutes was the perfect dose for him – and we wanted to give him the chance from the start,” said Berhalter, referring to the 20-year-old Dortmund player and praising his performance: “He played well and showed his qualities. It was good to have him back on the field. “
