Challenges Ahead
The United States men's national team (USMNT) faces a pivotal moment after suffering a record loss against Colombia. To bounce back and prove their readiness for Copa America, they must now confront Brazil in a crucial test scheduled for Wednesday night in Orlando. Brazil, despite some defensive vulnerabilities, has shown formidable attacking prowess, especially with their 17-year-old prodigy, Endrick, leading the charge. With seven goals in their last three matches, Brazil's overwhelming offensive force could spell trouble for the USMNT if they fail to display significant improvement. Tim Ream, a key figure in the squad, emphasized one critical error made against Colombia:
"I think what he's trying to say there is that we played into exactly what Colombia is good at, and that's the transition game. We didn't do enough to mitigate that type of game in the last 30 minutes, and I think that's really what he's getting at when he said that."
Don't Let Brazil Get into Their Game
Ream highlighted that one of the primary mistakes the USMNT made was allowing Colombia to play their game. Repeating this error against Brazil could be disastrous. Brazil is adept at counter-attacks and excels in possession, meaning the USMNT must be both physical and adept at controlling the ball. While Brazil’s defense offers scoring opportunities, the USMNT's attacking trio—Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and Tim Weah—must capitalize on these chances more effectively. Their failure to do so in the first half against Colombia was a pivotal factor in that loss. The front three remains the USMNT’s greatest strength, and their performance will be crucial. For fans seeking an in-depth and passionate discussion about the USMNT and the state of American soccer, tuning in to the "Call It What You Want" podcast is highly recommended.
Time for a Back Three?
In an effort to stabilize their defense, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter has considered deploying a three-man defensive line. This strategy, while potentially limiting attacking options, deserves consideration. Tim Weah, who often plays as a wing-back for his club, is familiar with this role. However, adopting this setup might mean benching the dynamic Gio Reyna. Although adding a third center-back could seem redundant given Brazil’s lack of a classic number nine, it would provide more targets for set-pieces, potentially making dead-ball situations more advantageous. When conventional strategies have faltered in significant games, experimenting with a different formation could be beneficial. A possible lineup for the upcoming match includes: Matt Turner, Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, and Folarin Balogun.
Fight for the Crest
The shortcomings against Colombia weren’t solely tactical, which made the loss particularly disheartening. While previous USMNT squads may have lacked players in top European leagues, they consistently displayed heart and determination. The team’s apparent resignation at the end of the Colombia game is unacceptable, even in a friendly match. A victory against Brazil is not mandatory, though it would significantly boost morale. What is essential is an improved performance marked by greater determination and the desire to control possession. Achieving this will likely bring positive outcomes, while failing to do so could lead to an early exit from Copa America. Wednesday's match in Orlando is more than just another game—it’s an opportunity for the USMNT to demonstrate growth, resilience, and their ability to compete at the highest level. Both fans and critics will be watching closely, eager to see if this squad can rise to the occasion.