June 27 2002

Gregg Berhalter

GREGG BERHALTER spoke of his disappointment of his seeing his "goal" cleared off the line by a German defender's hand in the USA's World Cup quarter-final defeat.

BERHALTER played well in their last two matches at the finals and hopes his performances will get him a place back in the Palace side.

He told the Croydon Guardian: "It was clearly a hand ball, but it's up to the referee to see it and give a penalty.

"I'm really disappointed because it would have been a huge goal for the whole team, but he didn't see it and that's football.

"I wish I could have played more games to prove myself at Palace and it's frustrating not playing regularly, but it's the manager's decision and I have got to respect that.

"I could do everything in my power to win a place in the side, but if he does like the way I play, I won't get picked."

"But unless something happens, I am coming back to Palace and hope my form will change the manager's mind, because I love London, I love England and I like the club a lot."

He has been given three weeks off before he returns to England for pre-season training and the transfer-listed star has recently turned down moves to other clubs.

He said: "I have had received offers that I have declined already for various reasons. It is going to take a very good offer for me to accept, because I really like Crystal Palace as a club, so it has to be an improvement."

The USA squad have been given a heroes welcome back home and this can only increase its popularity.

He added: "I missed the group games which was disappointing, but I played the two most important games, and we played a really good tournament, so I am really pleased.

"It's been crazy over here since we got back and everyone is really enthusiastic about what we achieved.

"The squad has been booked on to all the late night talk shows and there's a real buzz about men's soccer now.

"The effects of our performance won't be seen for a while, but hopefully we will have inspired the younger generation to start playing soccer."