The Latest Breaking News from Matt Turner

AL RAYYAN, Qatar — At the final whistle Tyler Adams dropped to his knees outside the U.S. penalty area, overcome by exhaustion and emotion. Haji Wright struck a similar pose near midfield and stayed there a while, unwilling or unable to be consoled by a stream of well-meaning teammates.

AL RAYYAN, Qatar — The U.S. national team started play in the World Cup two weeks ago with two objectives.

There are still barriers for this group and its young core to break, but the Netherlands’ ruthlessness over key moments spelled the end for the U.S.

For the next few years, the United States football team can look back on a Saturday in Doha as a reference. It was a balmy December evening at the World Cup when Gregg Berhalter's urgent young side was given a good, old-fashioned footballing lesson.