The United States is world cup They are hoping for their first knockout stage victory since 2002.
The Americans enter with their weakest goaltender in 40 years and only a handful of central defenders playing in the top league, but they benefit from being seeded as co-hosts in the expansion tournament and may not be able to face elite opponents until the round of 16.
“It’s all about winning, especially at home, in front of your friends, family and the people who have supported you the most throughout your career,” said the midfielder. weston mckennie Said.
The U.S. hopes to make a big showing in the tournament and show progress in a sport that lags behind the NFL, MLB and NBA in domestic popularity. The U.S. is 1-7 in World Cup knockouts, with its only win over regional rival Mexico coming in 2002.
Since reaching the semifinals of the first World Cup in 1930, the U.S.’s closest advance was to the quarterfinals in 2002. Despite losing eight straight games since 2022, losing 22-6 to European opponents, the Americans have high confidence.
coach Mauricio PochettinoJoined in September 2024 America was eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America.I told the players that they can win the title.
“Why not us?” he said during training camp in March. “We have to truly believe that we can get there. We have to dream.”
The U.S. national team opens against Paraguay on June 12, before playing Group D against Australia and Türkiye.
The long line of top goalkeepers is over.
Goaltending was once America’s strength, with Tony Meola, Casey Keller, Brad Friedel, Tim Howard and Brad Guzan all highly regarded.
matt turnerthe US starting pitcher in 2022 is matt freeze. For the first time since 1990, the U.S. team will likely be heading to the World Cup without a European-based goalie.
“We’ve understood this goalie thing for a long time, right? It goes way back,” Howard said. “I feel like I’ve gotten into a bit of a rut.”
There are concerns about Pulisic’s lack of goals.
Top American player Christian Pulisic He has not scored an international goal in eight games. From November 2024 onwards.
Furthermore, since December 28th, he has not scored in 14 games against AC Milan, entering mid-April.
“He’s got quality so he’ll score,” Pochettino said.
Pulisic, who is 27 years old and in his prime, is expected to represent the United States in this tournament as he did in 2022. Goal in the final game of the group stage against Iran advanced the Americans to the knockout stage.
“There’s pressure, I feel it. Yes, there is, but it’s nothing I can’t handle,” he said.
Lack of options in central defense
chris richards The 26-year-old is one of the rare American central defenders to play in the top flight, having had a great season with Crystal Palace. He missed the 2022 tournament due to a hamstring injury.
Tim Ream, who captained the U.S. national team at the World Cup under manager Pochettino, is 38 years old. He leaves Fulham and moves to Major League Soccer’s Charlotte. After the 2023-24 season.
Auston Trusty, 27, has been a starter for Celtic in Scotland since late October, while Mark McKenzie, also 27, is a regular at Toulouse.
Pochettino has at times employed three centre-backs in his backline since last autumn.
worry about injury
Right-back Sergiño Dest, who will start in 2022, is hoping to recover from injury. hamstring injury He continued playing for PSV Eindhoven on 7 March.
Central defender Cameron Carter-VickersAnother 2022 veteran, John Tolkien, missed the tournament due to an Achilles injury and is third in the left-back depth rankings behind Anthony Robinson and Max Alfsten. Uncertain due to knee injury.
son of super bowl winner
Defender Alex Freeman transferred from Orlando to Villarreal in January. son of antonio freemanHe is a former All-Pro wide receiver who won the 1997 Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.
“Growing up, I was always asked if soccer was the way to go, but when I was younger I always secretly loved it,” Alex said.
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
