The moment that USMNT stars understood the enormity of their victory over Iran at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar has been captured on video and shared on social media.
The U.S. soccer team had qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament after Christian Pulisic’s 38th-minute goal was enough to secure a 1-0 win and leave them second in Group B behind England, who had beaten Wales 3-0.
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For fullback Antonee Robinson, it was a realization that the U.S. had made it out of the group stage and of the enormity of that achievement, just four years after the team didn’t even qualify for the men’s soccer World Cup in Russia.
Robinson’s nickname is Jedi after he had a passion for Star Wars since he was 5 years old, and it has stuck with him throughout his soccer career. In the video, he is seen crying tears of joy in the locker room as he holds his head in his hands.
Teammates, including USMNT captain Tyler Adams, show compassion towards Robinson and say words of inspiration in his ear as the defense star looks to compose himself.
Adams is seen putting his arm around an emotional Robinson, and the pair take a moment to pray in silence. Sergiño Dest puts his arm around Robinson as he continues to try to control his emotions.
Midfielder Kellyn Acosta also joins Robinson in reflection as shouts of “let’s go” are heard around the locker room.
U.S. soccer fans were full of praise for the players, after the video was posted to TikTok.
One user commented: “Look at Tyler Adams showing leadership via compassion too! That man is a great captain!!!”
Another TikToker added: “Robinson is a beast!! He did a hell of a job!!! I was very impressed!!!”
A third wrote: “To say we over here are proud is an UNDERSTATEMENT”
Another who was impressed with their work on the field was head coach Gregg Berhalter, who gave an impassioned speech to his soccer team in the locker room after the game.
Berhalter told the players: “Real proud of this group, especially towards the end.
“Right, when we worked, and it wasn’t going our way, we had to dig, we had to fight for everything. That’s when you guys stepped up. Really good effort, man. Really good effort.
“They worked, they were desperate and we held firm. We wanted to enjoy this, but we’re not done. That’s the mentality we need to have now that we’re happy to be here. We gotta flip the switch and get into competitive mode. [In the] knockout, anything can happen. Guys, it’s about survival now, right. And I’ll take you guys all day.”
Berhalter then gave the match ball to captain Adams, who stood up to share some words of inspiration with his teammates.
The midfielder said: “You guys suffered today, it wasn’t easy by any means.
“This could go to a lot of people today, but really proud to be a part of this f****** team with you guys. I’d go to war with you guys anytime, man.”
United States play the Netherlands in the round of 16 on Saturday, December 3 at 10 a.m. ET. Watch live on Fox.
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