As a new week of significant football events begins, attention turns towards the upcoming Club World Cup`s new format. However, the past weekend provided plenty to discuss regarding national team performances.
The Main Talking Points
USMNT Loses Again
Mauricio Pochettino`s United States squad suffered their third consecutive defeat, marking the first time in a decade this has occurred. While a 2-1 friendly loss to a formidable Turkish side isn`t as dire as their recent Nations League results, it highlights the considerable challenges facing the team a year ahead of hosting the World Cup and just a week before the Gold Cup.
Upon closer examination, the lineup against Turkey in East Hartford featured many new faces and differed significantly from the expected squad next summer. Key players like Christian Pulisic were rested after demanding club seasons, while Antonee Robinson and Folarin Balogun were out due to injury. Additionally, Weston McKennie and Giovanni Reyna were unavailable due to commitments with the Club World Cup.
The experimental team included four debutants. They started brightly, with Jack McGlynn scoring a superb curling shot. However, Turkey responded quickly, taking the lead before the half-hour mark after Arda Guler intercepted a loose pass from Johnny Cardoso, followed by Kerem Akturkoglu finding the net minutes later. The USMNT created chances in the second half, but only Malik Tillman came close to equalizing.
Ultimately, the match was decided by finishing in the penalty areas. Despite the loss, Pochettino found positives, noting that the team demonstrated aggressive pressing, a hallmark of his style, and controlled possession for 60 percent of the game.
- Pochettino commented: `The strategy was for Diego Luna to move centrally, staying close to Malik Tillman to maintain control with Luca de la Torre and Johnny Cardoso, while Jack had the flexibility to either stay wide or come inside, as he did for his goal. We attempted this approach for the first time after just a few days of preparation and then competed against a team like Turkey. I believe by playing this way, we managed to control possession and dictate the game.`
The hope is that this summer will allow the current squad, which includes established players like Tyler Adams and Chris Richards, to adapt to their coach`s tactical demands. This period is crucial for integration before players like Pulisic rejoin. For the US to make a significant impact at the World Cup, they need to consistently beat teams of Turkey`s caliber, a habit they need to develop quickly.
Midfield Updates
Portugal Wins Nations League After Shootout Victory Over Spain
Across Europe, Portugal made history by becoming the first team to win the UEFA Nations League title for a second time. While the significance of this trophy is debated, beating a strong rival is always a positive outcome. Roberto Martinez`s side achieved this by following their semifinal win over Germany with a penalty shootout victory against their neighbors and tournament favorites, Spain.
Spain dominated possession, territory, and created more chances throughout the match. However, Portugal displayed commendable resilience, twice coming from behind to equalize through goals from Nuno Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both teams had opportunities to secure the win late in regulation. Portugal then held their nerve during the penalty shootout, with Alvaro Morata being the only player to miss. This marks Portugal`s third major international title in nine years, and the current squad, though different from the Euro 2016 winners, appears to be strong contenders for future trophies.
- Martinez stated: `After working together for over 30 games, we are seeing growing confidence, resilience, trust, and quality. This combination of quality and other values helps you win trophies. We have more than just a starting eleven; we have 16-17 players performing at a similar high level, which provides me with numerous options and tactical flexibility. This team has developed more character and confidence since I started.`
Martinez might even be understating the depth. This Portugal squad boasts an impressive mix of youth and experience. Left-back Nuno Mendes was named player of the tournament following a strong season with Paris Saint-Germain, alongside talented youngsters like Vitinha and Joao Neves, who adapted well to playing right-back for the national team. Experienced players such as Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Ruben Dias provide leadership, while Rafael Leao and Diogo Jota offer potent options from the bench. Even 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be integrating effectively, appearing less of a burden than he did at the 2022 World Cup.
Given these strengths, it is somewhat surprising that Portugal is not consistently ranked among the top favorites for the World Cup next summer. Based on their recent performance, they certainly warrant consideration as a leading contender.
