One of the big talking points following the United States men’s national team’s 1-0 loss to Uruguay was the Gregg Berhalter 1-1 gesture to his players shortly before conceding.
Prior to Uruguay’s goal the USMNT had been given a lifeline from the other Group C game as Bolivia scored against Panama to make the score 1-1. If that game were to remain a draw and the USMNT tied Uruguay, the U.S. would advance to the knockout stage.
The news of Bolivia’s equalizer spread through the fans at Arrowhead Stadium as the cameras captured supporters learning and sharing the news. Then Berhalter was shown giving a “1-1” message to his players.
Gregg Berhalter 1-1 gesture to USMNT
USMNT fans and Gregg Berhalter appeared to realize Bolivia had leveled the score vs Panama and only seconds later Uruguay took the lead pic.twitter.com/Q1kkr2Gd6N
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2024
This moment was overlooked. What a fucking loser mentality this is… and obviously Uruguay scored literally seconds later. https://t.co/XoHjgxXmHp
— Jeff D. Lowe (@JeffDLowe) July 2, 2024
Fans were furious over this moment from Berhalter with some saying that the head coach looking for help from other results encapsulates the mentality of the current USMNT.
Yahoo Sports’ Henry Bushnell had asked Berhalter prior to the Uruguay game if the team had plans about communicating the score of Bolivia-Panama. Berhalter said no.
“No, we’re not going to need to do live updates during the game,” Berhalter said. “At halftime, if something needs to be said, we’ll say it. If not, we’re really focused on winning the soccer game.”
Awkward.
Berhalter was asked after the game about the “1-1” signal and he admitted he was telling his players about the other Group C game.
Gregg Berhalter confirms he did update the USMNT players on the field that it was Panama 1-1 Bolivia before Uruguay scored.
“When Bolivia equalized, it was getting that information out. That we wanna be smart, solid, that Panama is tied in the game." pic.twitter.com/VUYnIlpe5Z— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 2, 2024
“In the course of the game, when Bolivia equalized, it was getting the information out. That we wanted to be smart, solid. Panama is tied in the game. And, um, yeah.”
Some critics argue that Berhalter trying to relay the message distracted his team from defending an important set piece. A set piece that proved to be fatal.
Berhalter telling the team that it’s “1-1.” Before giving up the go ahead goal is all we need to know about that jackass. Scoreboard watching while he should be managing this team. https://t.co/FzQEWUJZZd
— Jake N Bake ⭕️ (@jakenbakeburner) July 2, 2024
Greg berhalter signaled to his team that it was 1-1 in the other game and they conceded on a set piece directly after. We need a result regardless. That is such horrifyingly bad coaching. Horrifyingly bad
— Brian G (@bgrables) July 2, 2024
Gregg Berhalter holding up his fingers to signal the other match is 1-1 right before an important defensive FK tells me all I need to know. Focus on your own game you dumb fuck. #USMNT
— Bryon James (@BryonJames_) July 2, 2024
