A difficult few days for Mauricio Pochettino seemed too much for the American manager, who was unable to control his emotions pitchside.
Mauricio Pochettino played against Belgium (Image: Anadolu, Anadolu, via Getty Images)
US head coach Mauricio Pochettino was upset when his FIFA World Cup co-hosts fell behind 1-0 to Belgium within the first 10 minutes. His anger worsened after he conceded a second goal immediately after drawing one.
With co-hosts Canada and Mexico eliminated in the Round of 16, the USMNT was given a chance to become the only North American team in the quarterfinals, but first they had to beat Belgium. The team received an important boost before kick-off as striker Folarin Balogun was deemed eligible by FIFA despite serving a one-match suspension.
The decision sparked an uproar ahead of the knockouts, with Balogun and the USMNT facing intense criticism over the murky circumstances surrounding FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s meeting with President Donald Trump. However, once the game started, the off-field controversy was forgotten and Pochettino was heated from the off.
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Belgian forward Charles de Ketelaer took advantage of the USMNT’s disastrous defense to score the first goal within nine minutes. Alex Freeman nodded the ball back dangerously, but Sergino Dest failed to cover.
The cameras then turned to Pochettino, who appeared stunned by what he had just witnessed from his players. Still, the USMNT continued to struggle defensively, with Belgium controlling the opening 23 minutes, Mirror reported.
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A hydration break then became a lifeline for the USMNT, as Malik Tillman tied it with a free kick against the flow of the game. Tillman scored from a set piece in his second consecutive game, following the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, shortly after, the USMNT found themselves on the back foot again as De Quetelaele took advantage of even more questionable defense to score at the far post. De Quetelaere completed a double and Pochettino took out his frustration with a water bottle.
Mauricio Pochettino kicked a water bottle in disgust as America conceded the second goal (Image: BBC)
Pochettino lost his composure on the touchline and was seen breaking a box of Powerade bottles. Once again, Dest was responsible for the build-up to the goal, and Pochettino removed him from the game at the interval.
Sadly for the USMNT, the defensive failures continued. In the second period, goalkeeper Matt Freese gave up the ball outside his own box, allowing Hans Vanaken to score an unprotected net.
It was a disastrous moment for the hosts, whose run-up to the match was interrupted by the row over Balogun. Trump’s phone conversation with Infantino dominated the development and may have been a distraction for Trump.
Pochettino also lost captain Christian Pulisic to injury shortly after Belgium’s third goal (Image: John Dorton/USSF, Getty Images)
But before the match, he insisted the match had not shifted their focus. He said: “Of course it’s good news that all the players are available. Of course it’s important for the team that we have Baro ready and available to welcome us back.”
“I think he scored three goals and I think he’s doing a great job. But that’s why he’s great for us and important for the team. I hope he can show that quality today.”
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