Qatar 2022 is almost here and will see some familiar names feature at the World Cup. One for Crystal Palace fans is the United States Men’s National Team manager Gregg Berhalter.
The 49-year-old will orchestrate the USA’s efforts to advance from Group B against Wales, England and Iran. His Stars and Stripes squad will kick off their campaign against Cymru at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on November 21 before further matches on the 25th and 29th.
Berhalter took charge of the USMNT in December 2018 following their failure to qualify for the last edition in Russia. It was the first time since Mexico 1986 that the United States did not feature at a World Cup. They had also reached the knockout rounds in 2010 and 2014.
The United States booked a place at Qatar 2022 by coming through the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers in third place. Berhalter oversaw seven wins and four draws from 14 games to edge Costa Rica for an automatic spot. Only goal difference separated the two nations.
Berhalter has produced a winning record since becoming the United States’ manager four years ago and qualifying for the Qatar World Cup. He has claimed 36 wins and 10 draws to 10 defeats in all competitions. His USMNT sides have also scored 115 to 36 goals allowed.
Who has United States boss Gregg Berhalter previously managed?
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) hired Berhalter as the manager of the USMNT following Dave Sarachan’s interim tenure. The current Puerto Rico head coach stepped up from his role as Jurgen Klinsmann’s assistant after the USSF sacked the German in 2017.
Berhalter joined the USA set-up following five years in charge of Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew. His tenure at the Historic Crew Stadium saw the Black & Gold finish as the Eastern Conference runners-up and runners-up for the 2015 MLS Cup to Portland Timbers.
The Englewood, New Jersey native’s only previous spell as a head coach before Columbus Crew came at Hammarby. He spent 18 months at the Allsvenskan club from 2011 to 2013.
Berhalter has enjoyed some success outside of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup with the United States. The USMNT won the 2019-20 CONCACAF Nations League with a 3-2 result over Mexico after extra time. They also beat El Tri in extra time in the 2021 Gold Cup final.
Who did 2022 Qatar World Cup-bound Gregg Berhalter used to play for?
Berhalter turned to management in December 2011 upon retiring following a professional career lasting 18 seasons. His playing days took the 44-cap USMNT centre-back to the Netherlands, England and Germany before making his Major League Soccer debut in 2009.
The defender moved to Europe for two seasons with PEC Zwolle from 1994 to 1996 and a move to Sparta Rotterdam. He remained with De Kasteelheren until 1998 when Cambuur-Leeuwarden secured his services. Another two years followed before Crystal Palace called.
Crystal Palace offered Berhalter his first – and only – chance to play in England. But a move to Selhurst Park did not coincide with a great period of his career. The defender then went to Germany with Energie Cottbus from 2002 to 2006 and 1860 Munich from 2006 to 2009.
LA Galaxy eventually offered Berhalter a chance to play on home soil and took him back across the pond in 2009. He remained with the Galaxy up until his retirement for 62 outings and an MLS Western Conference title in 2010. He also won two Supporters’ Shields there.
What impact did Gregg Berhalter have as a Crystal Palace player
Berhalter did not enjoy a substantial impact as a Crystal Palace player after earning just 20 appearances across all competitions. He featured 19 times as a part of the Eagles’ backline in second-tier matches through two seasons. He also only started 10 of his league fixtures.
Crystal Palace fans additionally saw Berhalter offer one goal before the United States boss joined Energie Cottbus. The defender broke the deadlock as the Eagles beat Bradford 2-1 away from home in a second-tier fixture in December 2001 under manager Trevor Francis.
A piece of Selhurst Park history also belongs to Berhalter from June 2002. He became the first Crystal Palace player to ever feature in a World Cup match. Head coach Bruce Arena turned to Berhalter to replace Jeff Agoos as the USMNT edged Mexico 2-0 in the last 16.
Berhalter retained a starting role for the USA’s quarter-final match against Germany at the Munsu Cup Stadium in Ulsan. But he could not help his nation avoid a 1-0 defeat through a first-half Michael Ballack strike. The two games were Berhalter’s only World Cup matches.
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