#mauricio_pochettino

Estados Unidos Inicia Mundial 2026 con Victoria Contundente sobre Paraguay y Excluye a Alejandro Zendejas Estados Unidos arrancó su participación en la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026™ con una victoria decisiva sobre Paraguay en el Estadio de Los Ángeles, donde el combinado norteamericano se impuso 4-1. El partido, disputado el 13 de junio de 2026, fue marcado por un doblete del delantero Folarin Balogun, una anotación del joven Gio Reyna y un gol en propia puerta de Damián Bobadilla. Los sudamericanos lograron reducir la diferencia gracias a un tanto de Mauricio, pero no pudieron revertir el resultado. Un jugador que rechazó su inclusión en la Selección Mexicana no participó en el partido, observando desde la banca. Alejandro Zendejas, quien anteriormente representó a México, fue ignorado por el entrenador Mauricio Pochettino en el debut de Estados Unidos. Aunque el futbolista, nacido en Ciudad de Juárez, había sido parte del combinado azteca en cuatro partidos —dos con la selección principal y dos con la Sub-23—, decidió abandonar la causa mexicana en enero de 2023. Esta decisión fue tomada tras la exclusión de Zendejas de la lista de México para la Copa del Mundo de Qatar 2022, lo que lo motivó a cambiar de bandera. Zendejas realizó el One-Time Switch, un procedimiento permitido por la FIFA para cambiar de afiliación nacional, en 2022. Desde entonces, ha vestido el uniforme de Estados Unidos, participando en una Copa Oro, una Nations League y múltiples partidos amistosos. Con el USMNT, ha disputado 14 partidos, jugando un total de 609 minutos, y ha contribuido con dos goles, una asistencia y tres tarjetas amarillas. A pesar de su desempeño, no fue incluido en el partido contra Paraguay, lo que generó especulación sobre su rol en la selección norteamericana.#mexico #alejandro_zendejas #estados_unidos #paraguay #mauricio_pochettino

FIFA implements mandatory water breaks in each half for first time at 2026 World Cup The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce a significant in-game rule change: mandatory hydration breaks in every match. For the first time in World Cup history, players will be required to pause twice per game, once in each half, for a three-minute water break. This decision marks a shift from the 2014 World Cup, which featured optional "cooling breaks" triggered only by extreme heat conditions. The new rule applies regardless of weather or location, ensuring consistency across matches in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Under the updated format, referees will stop play at approximately the 22-minute mark of each half. Players will remain on the pitch to hydrate while coaches can discuss strategies, effectively creating a timeout similar to those in American sports like the NFL, NBA, and NHL. However, FIFA clarified that these breaks are not team-issued timeouts but rather structured pauses designed to prioritize player welfare. The stoppage time will be added back at the end of each half, ensuring the total playing time remains unchanged. FIFA framed the change as part of its broader focus on player health, particularly given the expected high temperatures in host cities during the summer tournament. The decision has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some criticizing the breaks for disrupting the traditional rhythm of soccer matches. U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino argued that the pauses “cut the rhythm of the game,” a concept long defined by continuous, uninterrupted halves. In contrast, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia praised the breaks, calling them useful for mid-game strategy discussions.#fifa #2026_world_cup #mauricio_pochettino #rudi_garcia #us_men_s_national_team

Mauricio Pochettino to Skip Speech Before USMNT World Cup Opener: ‘If You’re Not Ready, I’m Sorry’ The U.S. national team, led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, will open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Pochettino, who has opted against delivering a traditional motivational speech to his players ahead of the match, emphasized that the team must focus on internal preparation rather than external encouragement. Speaking on Thursday, the Argentine manager stated that the players already understand the demands of the occasion and do not require additional motivation. “Everybody knows how to be ready,” he said. “They don’t need any external motivation or an inspirational speech.” Pochettino added, “If you’re not ready, I’m sorry guys. It’s impossible to perform.” The coach described his approach as creating a “bubble” environment for the team, where they can concentrate on the emotional aspects of the moment without being distracted by external pressures or expectations. He urged the players to “think tomorrow and play like they are a child,” free from pressure and responsibility. This mindset, he explained, is about focusing on executing their duties without overcomplicating the task. Pochettino’s comments reflect a shift toward a more pragmatic, in-game strategy rather than relying on pre-match speeches to galvanize the squad. Pochettino, who has been in charge of the U.S. team since October 2024, confirmed that all 26 players on the squad are available for selection, including key center-back Chris Richards. While Richards’ role in the lineup remains uncertain, Pochettino stated that the starting XI has already been decided.#sofi_stadium #paraguay #usmnt #mauricio_pochettino #inglewood_california

Mauricio Pochettino Believes USMNT Ready for Historic 2026 World Cup Run In the hours leading up to the United States’ 2026 World Cup opener against Paraguay, head coach Mauricio Pochettino is preparing his team for what he calls a pivotal moment in American soccer history. The 19-month journey to this point has involved rigorous training camps, friendly matches, and a growing sense of urgency to prove the U.S. team can compete at the highest level. Pochettino, who has molded the squad through consistent preparation, insists his players are mentally and emotionally ready for the challenges ahead. The coach, known for his tactical acumen and ability to inspire, has avoided making grand speeches in the final moments before the match. Instead, he has focused on ensuring his players are self-driven and prepared to perform under pressure. “I already talk — too much, too much,” Pochettino said Thursday. “I said, ‘Don’t expect my unbelievable speech Friday.’ No, I am the opposite. I think now is the moment they need to prepare in an emotional and mental way. Now they don’t need external motivation or inspirational speech.” Pochettino’s approach reflects a broader belief in the team’s potential to make a significant impact at the tournament. He envisions a deep run in the competition, potentially the deepest U.S. campaign since 2002, and a chance to elevate the sport’s profile in a country where soccer remains overshadowed by football and basketball. “We need to win games but play with passion and to make the fans feel proud about what they are seeing on the field,” he said. “It’s to create that emotional relationship … but we need to win. The most important thing is to win.” The U.S. team’s path to the World Cup has been marked by both progress and setbacks.#2026_world_cup #paraguay #usmnt #mauricio_pochettino #tim_ream

USA vs Paraguay Predictions: USMNT to Start Strongly in LA The United States men’s national team (USMNT) will open their 2026 World Cup group campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with the hosts expected to dominate the match. The USMNT has secured victories in their last three encounters with Paraguay across all competitions, and fans are eager to see if they can extend this streak. The game will serve as a crucial statement for the co-hosts, who carry immense expectations as they aim to establish their dominance in the tournament. The USMNT, under manager Mauricio Pochettino, enters the match in strong form following a series of competitive friendlies. They defeated Senegal 3-2 in an action-packed five-goal encounter before falling 2-1 to Germany. Christian Pulisic, the team’s key attacking threat, returned to form after a recent scoring drought, though his availability remains uncertain due to an ankle injury. Chris Richards is the primary concern for Pochettino, with Mark McKenzie likely to step in as his deputy. Meanwhile, Miles Robinson’s inconsistent performance against Germany has raised questions about his role in the starting XI. Paraguay, the other co-host, arrives at the tournament with an unbeaten record in their last eight matches, but their squad faces significant injury challenges. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro may be without star forward Julio Enciso for the entire tournament due to recurring hamstring and quad issues. Enciso’s absence is a major blow, as the team relies heavily on his goal-scoring ability. Damian Bobadilla, another key midfielder, is also a fitness concern, placing additional pressure on captain Gustavo Gomez to lead a disciplined defense. The tactical contrast between the two teams is expected to shape the match.#sofi_stadium #paraguay #usmnt #christian_pulisic #mauricio_pochettino

USMNT Set for World Cup 2026 Opener Against Paraguay The United States men’s national team will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday, June 12, facing Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. The match, part of Group D, will mark the debut of the host nation in the tournament, with the U.S. aiming to secure a strong start under manager Mauricio Pochettino. The game will be broadcast live on ITV1 in the UK, Fox Sports in the U.S., Zee5 in India, and SBS in Australia, with ESPN providing live updates. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time (9 p.m. EDT; 1 a.m. BST; 6:30 a.m. IST; 11 a.m. AEST). Pochettino, appointed as U.S. head coach in 2023, faces mounting expectations as the team seeks to deliver on its ambitions. Despite his reputation for tactical innovation at clubs like Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, the U.S. squad has struggled with consistency in recent matches. The team’s recent record includes three losses in four games against Germany, Portugal, and Belgium, with their only victory coming against Senegal last week. Pochettino will need to address these challenges, particularly with key players like Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun expected to lead the attack. Supporting roles will be crucial, as players such as Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson, Giovanni Reyna, Sergiño Dest, and Antonee Robinson will need to contribute both offensively and defensively. The U.S. squad’s pressure to perform is compounded by their status as one of the 2026 World Cup hosts. The tournament, set to be held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has placed additional scrutiny on the team, which has faced criticism for its recent results.#julio_enciso #paraguay #gustavo_alfaro #usmnt #mauricio_pochettino

Tyler Adams Responds To Landon Donovan's USMNT Criticism - 'It's a Good Thing' Tyler Adams has addressed the growing scrutiny surrounding the United States men's national team, framing the criticism as a sign of heightened expectations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Bournemouth midfielder emphasized that the attention reflects a broader belief in the squad's potential, despite the challenges posed by the tournament's home soil status. With the World Cup set to take place in the U.S., the pressure on the team has intensified, drawing focus to head coach Mauricio Pochettino and veteran players as key figures in the conversation. Former USMNT stars like Landon Donovan and Tim Howard have been vocal about the team's shortcomings, with Donovan in particular criticizing current players for prioritizing club rest over international duty, questioning the commitment of dual-nationals, and lambasting the American youth soccer system as profit-driven. His blunt critiques have sparked backlash, with critics pointing out his own history of taking extended breaks from the game. However, Adams acknowledged the validity of the scrutiny while reframing it as a positive force. Speaking on The Late Run, Adams expressed that the attention signifies a collective belief in the team's capabilities. "I’m happy they have these expectations for us," he said. "Because I think they see the same thing that we see in ourselves, that we’re a bunch of talented players." He stressed the importance of uniting as a squad to achieve success on the global stage, noting that the World Cup represents the ultimate test. "Now we got to bring it together and have success, and you know, for me, it’s on the biggest stage you have to do that.#2026_fifa_world_cup #usmnt #mauricio_pochettino #tyler_adams #landon_donovan

Chris Richards’s World Cup Participation in Jeopardy Following Ankle Injury Chris Richards, a key defender for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming World Cup after sustaining an ankle injury during Crystal Palace’s final Premier League match against Brentford. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Friday that Richards is not yet fit to compete, casting doubt on his availability for the tournament. The defender’s status remains under review as the team prepares for the World Cup, with a critical decision needed before the group stage opener against Paraguay on June 12. The injury occurred in Palace’s second-to-last Premier League game, where Richards tore ligaments in his ankle. While the exact nature of the injury was not disclosed, manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the severity, noting Richards missed the league finale against Arsenal and the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. Initially, Glasner had expressed optimism that Richards could play in the European competition, which bolstered expectations of his readiness for the World Cup. However, Pochettino and his staff are now grappling with the timeline for recovery, as the window between now and the tournament’s start is shrinking. Pochettino expressed frustration with the injury assessment, stating, “I’m not happy because we know Chris Richards is an important player.” The coach emphasized the team’s commitment to player safety, noting, “We are never going to take a decision to play with some player that [has a] minimum risk. We prefer to not take [a] risk.” This approach has led to the inclusion of multiple defensive options in the 26-man squad, including five center-backs and versatile wide defenders capable of filling in centrally if needed.#premier_league #crystal_palace #usmnt #mauricio_pochettino #chris_richards

Christian Pulisic shines as US kick off World Cup preparations with 3-2 win over Senegal The United States men’s national team ended a nearly six-month goal drought for Christian Pulisic with a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Sunday, marking a pivotal moment in their World Cup preparations. The match, played in Charlotte, North Carolina, saw Pulisic score and assist in a dynamic first half, helping the Americans break a streak of poor form that had plagued them since their two March losses to Portugal and Belgium. The win, which came ahead of their final tune-up against Germany on June 6 in Chicago, offered a glimmer of optimism for a team that had struggled to find consistency in recent international fixtures. Pulisic’s resurgence was central to the US’s success. Just 19 minutes into the game, he received a through ball from Ricardo Pepi, who had been instrumental throughout his 45-minute cameo, and calmly finished with a right-footed angled shot to put the US ahead 2-0. His influence extended beyond that goal, as he set up Sergiño Dest for the opener in a sequence that showcased the team’s attacking cohesion. Dest, who had been a key figure in the US’s recent friendly victories, headed home the assist after receiving a precise cross from Pulisic, who had tracked back to find the wing-back in a perfectly timed run. This goal marked Pulisic’s first international assist since September 2025, when he contributed to a 2-0 win over Japan. Despite the offensive fireworks, the US’s defensive vulnerabilities remained a concern. Senegal’s Sadio Mané, a key player for the Lions of Teranga, capitalized on defensive lapses to equalize just before halftime and then strike again shortly after the break.#christian_pulisic #mauricio_pochettino #sadio_man #ricardo_pepi #sergio_dest

Tim Ream Named Captain For USA's World Cup Squad U.S. Soccer manager Mauricio Pochettino announced Saturday that Tim Ream will captain the U.S. men’s national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 38-year-old center back, who has worn the armband in 16 of 23 matches under Pochettino’s leadership, will lead the squad as they prepare for the tournament. Ream, the oldest player on the 26-man roster, has already captained the team in key games, including the opening match against Panama on October 12, 2024, in Austin, Texas. Pochettino praised Ream’s leadership qualities, emphasizing his ability to connect with players both on and off the field. During a press conference at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center outside Atlanta, the manager described Ream as “a great captain not only on the field, but maybe more importantly, off the field.” He highlighted Ream’s experience and character, stating, “He has the capacity to be the leader that we want, the positive leader. For me, that’s one of the most important things is to connect [with] the players. He’s an amazing voice, so lucky to have a player like him with his personality and his character.” Ream expressed humility and gratitude upon receiving the honor, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with the role. “Wow,” he said, reflecting on the moment. “This is more than a dream come true. I’ve done everything possible to be a part of this group, to help this group along, and I’m just really, really grateful to be sitting here to have this honor. And at the same time, it’s not going to change what I do or who I am or how I help the group.” He also emphasized that the captaincy is “the highest honor for me” and vowed not to take it for granted.#2026_fifa_world_cup #mauricio_pochettino #tim_ream #usa_world_cup_squad #u_s_soccer

Tim Ream Named Captain of U.S. Men’s National Team for 2026 World Cup FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Tim Ream, a 38-year-old defender with Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer, was surprised when U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino named him captain for the 2026 World Cup. The announcement came during a news conference at the U.S. National Soccer Training Center, catching Ream off guard. Pochettino revealed the decision in a gym-like room, emphasizing the honor of the role. “It’s the highest honor for me in this group,” Ream said, his voice filled with emotion. “I’m not going to take that for granted.” Ream, a St. Louis native, will lead the U.S. team in its opening World Cup match against Paraguay on June 12, 2026. At that time, he will be 38 years, 250 days old, making him older than defender Fernando Clavijo, who captained the U.S. in the 1994 World Cup. Clavijo was 37 years, 162 days old at the time of his playing career, though the source notes conflicting birthdates—Jan. 23, 1957, and Jan. 23, 1956—due to his death in 2019. Ream’s appointment sets a new record for the oldest U.S. team captain. Ream, who has 80 international appearances, has captained the U.S. in 16 of 23 games since Pochettino took over as head coach in October 2024. Pochettino praised Ream’s leadership, calling him “a great captain, not only on the field, maybe more important off the field.” The coach highlighted Ream’s experience and ability to guide younger players, noting his influence extends beyond the pitch. “Playing or not playing, he is the captain,” Pochettino said. Ream’s career includes playing college soccer for Saint Louis University, then joining the New York Red Bulls in 2010.#2026_world_cup #charlotte_fc #mauricio_pochettino #tim_ream #u_s_men_s_national_team

Tim Ream Named USMNT’s World Cup Captain, Pochettino Announces FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Veteran center back Tim Ream has been officially named the captain of the U.S. men’s national team for the upcoming World Cup, a decision made by head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Ream, who has led the team in 17 of the 24 matches under Pochettino’s tenure, was considered the clear choice for the role as the squad prepares for the tournament. Pochettino praised Ream’s leadership qualities, stating, “Tim was my first captain (as USMNT head coach). I’m so grateful he’s with us, he’s a great captain not only on the field — and maybe more importantly — off the field. He has the experience and capacity to be the positive leader we want.” The 38-year-old Ream is set to become the oldest player to represent the United States at a men’s World Cup, surpassing the late Fernando Clavijo, who previously held the record. Ream will achieve this milestone during the team’s first match against Paraguay, where he will be 38 years, 8 months, and 7 days old. Reflecting on the honor, Ream expressed humility, saying, “Wow, I’m not sure what to say. This is more than a dream come true. I’ve done everything possible to be part of this group, to help this group. I’m really grateful to be sitting here to have this honor. … I will not take it for granted.” Ream’s appointment coincides with a significant moment in the team’s pre-tournament schedule. The U.S. squad will face its next friendly match on Sunday against Senegal at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, Ream’s home arena. Pochettino emphasized that Ream’s role as captain extends beyond the field, stating, “Playing or not playing, Tim is the captain,” while adding with a laugh that this does not guarantee he will always be on the pitch.#world_cup #usmnt #mauricio_pochettino #tim_ream #fayetteville_ga

Tim Ream Named USMNT Captain for 2026 World Cup; Chris Richards' Recovery Uncertain U.S. men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino has officially named defender Tim Ream as the team’s captain for the 2026 World Cup, a decision made in consultation with his coaching staff. The announcement came during a press conference held ahead of the team’s pre-World Cup friendly match against Senegal in Charlotte, North Carolina. Pochettino emphasized Ream’s leadership qualities, both on and off the field, highlighting his experience and ability to serve as a positive role model for the squad. Ream, 38, the team’s oldest player, expressed deep gratitude for the honor, calling it “more than a dream come true.” He reiterated that the captaincy would not alter his commitment to the team, stating, “It’s not going to change what I do, or who I am, and how I help the group.” Pochettino noted that Ream’s leadership had been a consistent presence throughout his tenure, as the defender had captained the team in 16 of the 23 matches under his management. The decision to appoint Ream as captain was largely anticipated, given his long-standing role as a team leader. Pochettino praised Ream’s ability to connect with players and his experience, calling him “amazing” in his capacity to guide the squad. The manager also acknowledged the importance of having a captain who embodies the team’s values, both in training and during high-stakes matches. Meanwhile, Pochettino provided an update on defender Chris Richards, who has been sidelined due to an ankle injury. Richards, who recently made the bench in Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano, will not travel to Charlotte for the Senegal match. Instead, he will remain at the National Training Center near Atlanta to continue his rehabilitation.#2026_world_cup #usmnt #mauricio_pochettino #tim_ream #chris_richards

Florian Wirtz avant PSG-Liverpool en Ligue des champions : « Une équipe doit toujours croire en son entraîneur » À la veille du quart de finale aller de Ligue des champions entre le Paris Saint-Germain et le Liverpool, mercredi soir (21 heures), Florian Wirtz s’est exprimé devant la presse ce mardi. L’ailier allemand, qui a confirmé son engagement envers le club, a souligné l’importance de la confiance envers l’entraîneur. « Une équipe doit toujours croire en son entraîneur », a-t-il déclaré, avant d’ajouter que son équipe « croyait encore dans (leur) entraîneur ». Wirtz a également rappelé que le PSG avait « eu de bons matches cette saison », mais qu’il restait des « objectifs à atteindre ». Le contexte de cette déclaration est marqué par les attentes élevées autour de ce match historique. Le PSG, qui a atteint les quarts de finale pour la première fois en Ligue des champions, affronte un Liverpool en pleine forme. L’entraîneur du PSG, Mauricio Pochettino, a lui aussi exprimé son optimisme, tout en reconnaissant les défis liés à la qualité du jeu du Liverpool. Les supporters du PSG, habitués à des performances régulières, espèrent que leur équipe puisse s’imposer dans ce duel, même si le parcours jusqu’ici a été marqué par des défis techniques et tactiques. Le quart de finale aller se déroulera sur le terrain du PSG, un lieu symbolique pour le club, qui a déjà connu des moments de gloire et de déception en Ligue des champions. La pression est forte, notamment après les résultats mitigés de la saison. Le PSG, qui a fini deuxième du championnat français, a dû s’imposer en CFA pour accéder à cette phase finale. Les attentes sont donc élevées, mais l’entraîneur et les joueurs doivent rester concentrés sur le match à venir.#liverpool #paris_saint_germain #ligue_des_champions #florian_wirtz #mauricio_pochettino

Belgium Dominate USA in Friendly; Mexico-Portugal Match Ends 0-0 Amid Tragedy Belgium delivered a crushing 5-2 victory over the United States in a high-stakes friendly ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, exposing vulnerabilities in the American squad as they prepare to co-host the tournament. The match, held in Atlanta, marked a stark reality check for manager Mauricio Pochettino’s team, who struggled to contain the Belgian attack despite an early goal from Weston McKennie. The result underscored the challenges the USA face in competing with elite European sides, a key requirement for their World Cup ambitions. Belgium’s onslaught began immediately after conceding the opening goal, with a flurry of goals from Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana, Charles De Ketelaere, and a brace from substitute Dodi Lukebakio. The visitors’ resilience was tested as they fell behind, but the Belgians capitalized on their dominance, overwhelming the USA’s defense. Patrick Agyemang netted a late consolation for the Americans, though the result highlighted their need for improvement ahead of the World Cup. Pochettino acknowledged the result as a necessary wake-up call, emphasizing the importance of facing such challenges before the tournament. The match also served as a prelude to the World Cup, with the USA set to face Portugal in another friendly on Tuesday. Portugal, however, faced its own challenges, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao missed the encounter. Despite Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos coming close, the Portuguese struggled with accuracy, finishing with 10 shots on goal but failing to convert. Coach Roberto Martinez noted the team’s preparation for the World Cup, though he acknowledged the need for better finishing.#united_states #atlanta #world_cup_2026 #belgium #mauricio_pochettino

USMNT Struggles with Disjointed Tactics in Defeat to Belgium The U.S. men’s national team faced a stark reality check on Saturday as they suffered a 5-2 loss to Belgium, exposing deep flaws in their tactical approach and squad cohesion. The match, part of the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, highlighted the challenges of rebuilding a team under new management and the risks of overhauling personnel without sufficient preparation. Mauricio Pochettino, the new head coach, inherited a squad that had just exited the 2024 Copa América at the group stage. His tenure began with a focus on experimentation, introducing fresh combinations and players in search of a winning formula. While there were signs of progress last year, such as the adoption of a back-three formation and the integration of younger talents like Sebastian Berhalter and Patrick Agyemang, the recent match against Belgium revealed the limitations of this approach. The U.S. started the game with a goal, capitalizing on a well-executed corner kick. However, Belgium quickly turned the tide, scoring five unanswered goals in a dominant display. The first goal came from Zeno Debast, who capitalized on a defensive lapse as the U.S. struggled to organize its backline. The second goal, a well-timed strike by Amadou Onana, underscored the U.S.’s inability to contain Belgium’s attacking threats. Pochettino acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, noting that while they matched Belgium’s intensity at times, they failed to maintain consistency throughout the 90 minutes. “We were even, in some moments, we were better,” he admitted, but the scoreline told a different story. The U.S. defense, plagued by untested partnerships, allowed Belgium to exploit gaps in their shape.#belgium #usmnt #mauricio_pochettino #zeno_debast #amadou_onana