DOHA, Qatar — The U.S. men’s team tied England in a game that was scoreless during the World Cup on Friday.
When you consider that the fact that the British team is one of the top contenders to win the whole tournament, it’s a remarkable performance by Team USA, which debuted one of the youngest World Cup teams ever in its first appearance in the tournament after not qualifying for the tournament in the year 2018.
Despite England’s superior World Cup record, the U.S. men’s team has not been beaten by England in the World Cup. England had, however, missed an opportunity to redeem themselves in this time, following the famous loss against the Americans in 1950.
When the final whistle blew — four hours of extra timethere were boos throughout Qatar’s Al Bayt Stadium from fans likely dissatisfied without a final outcome.
The United States, now with two points following two tied games, is in third position in Group B, just behind England who have four points, and Iran who have three points. Wales has one point. The 6-2 win of England over the Iranians in their first match in the group should be a source of Americans confidence as they prepare for their next match against Iran next week.
“We’re proud but our work’s not done,” U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter said in postgame interview with Fox. “We have to win on Tuesday. We know five points gets us in. We’ve got to focus on the five points.”
To remain at the top of the group and get to the knockout phase to qualify for the knockout stage, it is expected that the U.S. will have to beat Iran who racked up an unexpected 2-0 win earlier on in the day. England is set to play Wales the next time. Both games begin beginning at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Tom Goldman reported from Doha, Qatar, and Emma Bowman reported from Los Angeles.
