PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- United States Manager Gregg Berhalter and U.S. star Christian Pulisic spoke with the media on Saturday in Philadelphia in anticipation of Sunday’s Gold Cup quarterfinal match against Curacao, which kicks off at 8 PM ET at Lincoln Financial Field.
“They’re a dangerous team,” Berhalter said of tomorrow’s opponent. “They’ve got a lot of flexible movement. They get into attacking positions with their fullbacks. The wingers are tucking inside and have really good spacing. They’ve got good players. They’re a good team.”
Berhalter elaborated on his respect for the history that Curacao has made by getting to the knockout rounds of the Gold Cup for the first time, while also paying respect in a true footballing sense.
“It’s one of the great stories of the Gold Cup,” Berhalter said. “What they’re doing for their country, it’s great. But like I’ve said before, we just see this as another team in our way. We’re determined. The guys are in good spirits. We’re looking forward to a good game.”
Pulisic spoke of the experience thus far at his first ever Gold Cup.
“I love playing with the national team, whether it’s a friendly or anything,” Pulisic said. “But being in a competitive tournament like this one and getting some good competition, it’s been great.”
“I love putting on this shirt,” Pulisic said of suiting up for the U.S. “It’s been great. I definitely feel very free out there. It’s been fun so far.”
Coming off three straight wins in Group D, Berhalter spoke of what he wants to see from his side against Curacao.
“We’ve been able to create a lot of chances in all of our games,” said Berhalter. “It’s something we want to keep building on. When you look at the guys scoring the goals and getting assists, it’s a diverse group of players. This needs to continue.”
