Matt: KO stage will give game a lift in US
MATT TURNER hopes USA’s performance at the World Cup will grow the game in America in the countdown to them staging the next tournament.
The States are jointhosts in 2026 and Gregg Berhalter’s side will hope they can improve on their display here in Qatar.
But reaching the last 16 with the youngest squad to make the knockout stage will be regarded as success despite the 3-1 defeat by Holland.
And the Arsenal keeper believes it will benefit the growth of the sport in the US, where basketball, American football and ice hockey still dominate.
Turner said: “It is always important for us to do well because we know it gets the most press and coverage on TV in the United States.
“Good performances in the World Cup grows the game. It’s what got me into the game, it’s what got most of these guys to feel real passion about the sport.
“We understand the opportunity that presents itself every time there’s a World Cup. Hopefully there’s some young boys back home that feel really passionate about the game now. We know how much it means to us and the opportunities it provides people.
“We hope we continue to grow the sport in our country as there’s a lot of potential out there.”
But there was still huge disappointment. All the goals against Holland were down to poor defending.
Turner added: “We did some great things but also some things that are very uncharacteristic of us, especially defensively.
“The silence in there was deafening. Everyone is disappointed.
“It is a sombre mood. Competing and losing doesn’t make us at all feel better.”