Gregg Berhaltercoach USAsaid on Thursday that his team still has a chance of making it to the quarter-finals of the America Cup after losing against Panamadespite the fact that the decisive match will be against Uruguaywho beat Bolivia 5-0 and continues on a perfect run.
“We have a lot of respect for Uruguay. We think they are a strong team. But there are many strong teams in this tournament.”Berhalter said at a press conference, downplaying the fact that the rival is the Celeste.
Berhalter explained that he and his men were planning to watch the Uruguay-Bolivia match on television, which ended the second day of Group C tonight.
“We are ready. We know we have to go out and get a result and we are going to do that. We believe in this group. It is a strong team. “I think if we stay focused and execute the game plan, we will be fine,” said the 50-year-old manager.
The United States (3), who had won 2-0 in their debut against Bolivia, fell 2-1 against Panama on Thursday after playing almost the entire match with one less man and complicated their qualification, which now depends on their duel with Uruguay (6). At the same time, Panama (3) and Bolivia (0) will clash.
“If we put in the same kind of effort as in this match, in terms of work and unity, we will have a chance of going through. We know it’s going to be difficult, but we’re going to give it our best shot.“, he added.
Regarding the expulsion of his striker Timothy Weah in the 17th minute for an attack on an opponent, Berhalter said that it was “a very stupid decision” by the Juventus player, who will not be able to play against Marcelo Bielsa’s team.
The United States and Uruguay will face each other next Monday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.
