The United States claimed a crucial 2-0 victory over Mexico during the latest round of World Cup qualifying after being sent into battle against their arch-rivals by a rousing “tonight we are f*cking dogs” speech from head coach Gregg Berhalter.
The USMNT were unable to build on their success in Ohio against El Tri, as they followed that success up with a 1-1 draw against Jamaica, but remain second in the CONCACAF table and on course to book tickets for Qatar 2022.
That cause was aided considerably by the claiming of a Mexican scalp, with the passion displayed by members of the coaching team prior to kick-off inspiring those on the field to raise their game.
Watch Berhalter's speech to the USMNT players
What was said?
In a bid to get his side fired up for a crunch contest, Berhalter said during a pre-match team huddle: “Something I couldn’t get out of my mind for the last three days, which is when that zoo guy was talking about the African dogs and how they hunt.
“Remember how they hunt? They hunt as a pack and they don’t stop. They keep running until their prey falls down in exhaustion, and then they go for the kill.
“Tonight we are f*cking dogs!”
With cries of “USA” ringing around the dressing room at the TQL Stadium, Berhalter’s side went on to complete their mission.
Chelsea superstar Christian Pulisic stepped off the bench to break the deadlock in a keenly-fought contest, before Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie wrapped up a notable triumph.
Miles Robinson was sent off in the 89th minute, but the U.S. hung on to claim three precious points.
What happens next?
The USMNT still have six qualifiers to take in, with 18 points up for grabs across those outings.
They will return to competitive action, after taking in a friendly date with Bosnia in December, on January 27 against El Salvador.
Berhalter’s men will also face table-topping Canada during the next round of fixtures, while a potentially decisive trip to Mexico is pencilled in for March 24.
Just two points separate the top four at present, with Panama also in the mix, and the U.S. know that they will have to continue fighting like dogs from this point in order to prevent missing out on back-to-back World Cup tournaments.
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