AL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — A cry rang out around the stadium. England fans are not happy. The United States had prevented them yet again in the World Cup.
This is the third time and counting that the teams have met on soccer’s biggest stage, and England are still looking for their first win against the Americans after Friday’s 0-0 draw.
Coach Gareth Southgate had reminded his players of that record before, when the US played a famous 1-0 win in 1950 and a 1-1 draw in 2010. They don’t seem to heed or respond to Gregg Berhalter’s warning from the boy to the energetic team.
England beat Iran 6-2 in their opening game in Qatar to justify their status as one of the tournament favourites. But he can count himself lucky not to have dropped another match in the US after Christian Pulisic hit the post with a first-half strike and Weston McKinnie lifted a shot from eight yards out.
The England fans had turned up at Al Bayt Stadium in anticipation of the victory celebration and absolutely to knock the scenes out with the game.
“I want our fans at home to have a smile on their faces, and I don’t care enough to achieve that,” Southgate said. “But people act the way they act and I can’t affect how I feel about the team or how the team feels.
“The goal is to determine and make three games.”
England is another frustrating thing. But Berhalteri’s job is to push the steps forward.
The US is drawn against Iran on Tuesday for a spot in the round of 16. Iran beat Wales 2-0 earlier and sits second in Group B with three points, one more than the Americans.
“It was the first World Cup Knockout game,” Berhalter said. “We win or we’re out of the World Cup. That’s going to be the focus for us as we prepare the team for the next game.”
“But the most intelligent Iran will bring the intensity. They played the best game today. The game will have to be played with a ton of spirit for it if we want a chance to progress.”
Southgate, meanwhile, will try to get the fans. He described them as having been thrown out, following the elated victory against Iran.
Despite the draw, England are still top of the group with four points.
“Not the best performance, certainly,” said Harry Kane, who came close with a stoppage-time header. “Good songs with the ball, but we didn’t have a final product.
“We have two or three chances not to take it away.”
KANE I’m waiting
Kane, the Golden Boot winner from the 2018 World Cup, is still looking for his first goal in this tournament.
MUSAH’S MASS
Yunus Musah, who chose to represent the US in England, showed exactly what Southgate is missing with a dominant performance in midfield.
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James Robson at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
