Twenty years ago, the US men’s national team reached the quarterfinals at the World Cup before losing 1-0 to Germany amid great controversy.
This year’s squad is dead set on charting another deep run, officially booking their knockout round place via Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Iran. They've finished second in Group B behind England and are undefeated (1W-0L-2D) thus far in Qatar.
Now, a Round of 16 match arrives Saturday (10 am ET | FOX, Telemundo) against Group A winners Netherlands. And head coach Gregg Berhalter is injecting belief into his youth-filled squad.
“I want you to enjoy this, but we’re not done,” Berhalter said in a behind-the-scenes video US Soccer shared from the Iran match. “That’s the mentality we need to have, guys. Not that we’re happy to be here.”
Berhalter has stressed how the group stage and knockout rounds present two different tournaments. They’re now in single-elimination territory, much like when they needed to beat Iran after earlier Group B draws against Wales (1-1) and England (0-0).
The pressure is on to defeat the world’s No. 8-ranked team, with the Dutch considered the greatest soccer-playing nation to never win a World Cup. Now led by head coach Louis van Gaal, the Oranje were World Cup runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010.
“You guys flip the switch and get into competitive mode,” Berhalter said. “In a knockout anything can happen. It’s about survival now. I’ll take you guys all day, all day.”
The US have gotten World Cup goals from Tim Weah and Christian Pulisic. Goalkeeper Matt Turner and the defense – with resurgent veteran center back Tim Ream – have become first the USA group to record multiple shutouts at a World Cup since 1930.
But the USMNT’s driving force, undoubtedly, is the midfield. Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams are all 24 years or younger and can dictate and control matches. Adams, the team’s captain, is especially important for his leadership qualities.
“I’m really proud to be part of this f---ing team with you guys,” Adams said. “I’d go to war with you guys any time.”
Should the Yanks advance over the Netherlands, they’d book a quarterfinal game on Dec. 9 against a to-be-determined Group C or Group D foe.
