It`s been a tough week for USMNT fans. After a dramatic week in both CONCACAF and UEFA Nations Leagues, the pressure is mounting on the American team.
USMNT in Crisis?
With just over a year until the World Cup at SoFi Stadium, the USMNT suffered another setback, failing to medal in a four-team competition. After losing their title defense to Panama 1-0, Mauricio Pochettino`s team fell to fourth place in the CONCACAF Nations League, losing 2-1 to Canada. Despite the close score, a deflection favored Canada, leading to Tani Oluwaseyi`s opening goal.
This USMNT, once dominant in CONCACAF, was expected to overcome such setbacks. Their heralded talent pool raises expectations for both skill and attitude. Landon Donovan expressed frustration on social media, emphasizing the importance of pride over talent. Clint Dempsey echoed these sentiments, urging the team to fight for the fans and regain their support, highlighting internal tensions.
- Dempsey: `You would hope they`d be motivated for this game, showing pride to get back on track and rally the fanbase… They need to fight for the supporters. Things are tense right now, with internal friction. When I played, I gave everything.`
These concerns align with Pochettino`s post-Panama defeat remarks about players being on `automatic pilot` in expected wins. Christian Pulisic noted Panama`s greater urgency in that match.
Attitude may be a fixable issue before the World Cup, especially with the motivation of hosting. However, deeper problems may exist. Canada`s Jonathan David, a European-level player, outmatched the USMNT, who possess fewer comparable talents. While some Americans excel in top European leagues, many are squad players, and some struggle for consistent playing time. This raises concerns about whether the `Golden Generation` has progressed since the 2022 World Cup.
Pardeep Cattry questions this stagnation:
- Cattry: `While players like Pulisic and Robinson excel, many are squad players, and some like Turner and Reyna lack consistent playtime. This inconsistency may have hindered their development, and this promising group might not have significantly improved since the 2022 World Cup.`
This is Pochettino`s potential worry. While attitude can be adjusted, the player pool is limited. The Nations League performance suggests the World Cup presents a significant challenge.
UEFA Nations League Thrills
In Europe, the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals were packed with drama. Three ties went to extra time, two decided by shootouts, and Germany nearly squandered a four-goal lead.
Portugal vs. Denmark was particularly eventful, dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite a missed early penalty, Ronaldo later scored, but Francisco Trincao became the hero with a late equalizer and an extra-time goal, sending Portugal to the semifinals against Germany.
Germany seemed in control against Italy, building a four-goal aggregate lead. However, a Moise Kean double brought Italy close to a comeback, including a disallowed penalty and a late converted penalty, but ultimately fell short.
Spain and France reached the other semifinal, overcoming the Netherlands and Croatia in penalty shootouts. Lamine Yamal shone for Spain, while France overturned a two-goal deficit against Croatia, who faltered in the shootout despite Luka Modric`s presence.
The stage is now set for the UEFA Nations League semifinals in Germany in June.
