USMNT fall 2-0 to Portugal in final game before World Cup roster is named
The Guardian • • sports
Key Points:
- The US men's national team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marking their eighth consecutive loss to a European opponent and extending a troubling trend ahead of the World Cup on home soil.
- Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made significant lineup changes, including starting Matt Freese in goal and deploying Christian Pulisic as a central striker, but the team ultimately faltered against a skilled Portuguese side.
- Christian Pulisic showed visible frustration throughout the match, missing several key chances and receiving a yellow card before being substituted at halftime; his recent poor club form appears to be affecting his international performance.
- Portugal’s opening goal mirrored a pattern seen in the US’s recent matches, capitalizing on US mistakes following missed scoring opportunities and exposing vulnerabilities in the US midfield and defense.
- The US struggled defensively around the edge of their 18-yard box, with lapses from midfielders like Aidan Morris contributing to Portugal’s clinical finishing, highlighting the absence of key defensive midfielders such as Tyler Adams.
