Jurgen Klinsmann: United States Needs To Do Better In Round Of 16

Jurgen Klinsmann said he is thrilled that the U.S. men’s soccer team is through to the round of 16, but knows the fight will only get harder from here on in.

The men fell to Germany 1-0 on Thursday, but still were able to advance based on a tie-breaker with Portugal.

As they now prepare for the win or go home round, Klinsmann said the team must play better.

“Well, that we still can do better,” Klinsmann said. “We got through the group, but we have to do better in the round of 16, and we will do better.”

The United States was plagued by inconsistent play in the opening round, looking sharp at times but also suffering some lapses like a poor clearing attempt against Portugal that led to an early deficit.

Jurgen Klinsmann said the team will try to focus on the positive parts as they move through to the next round.

“Obviously it’s a huge achievement by our team to come through that group and qualify for the knockout stage,” Klinsmann said. “We take a couple of good things with us and whoever we face we’re going to take it to them. Now we really get started. Once the group is done, another tournament actually starts because the knockout stage is a completely different ballgame. So we can’t wait to get that started next week.”

Klinsmann is doing his best to get America behind its team. Prior to Thursday’s game against Germany, he tweeted a note for workers to hand into their employers explaining that they had his permission to be excused from work to watch the match.

The note read:

“The #USMNT (U.S. Men’s National Team) has a critical World Cup game vs Germany and we will need the full support of the nation if we are to advance to the next round.

“By the way, you should act like a good leader and take the day off as well. Go USA! Signed Jurgen Klinsmann, Head Coach, U.S. National team”

Jurgen Klinsmann and the men’s national soccer team have a tough task ahead. They will face off against Group H winner Belgium on July 1, with the game scheduled at 4 pm ET. Belgium beat the United States in two recent friendlies — a 4-2 win in May 2013 and 1-0 in September 2011.