GOAL US writers discuss USMNT's Gold Cup semifinal win, and if form will be enough against a more experienced Mexico side
Scoreboard, baby. This hasn't been an easy Gold Cup for the USMNT. It hasn't always been watchable. At times, it hasn't really been fun. But it's now five wins out of five, and a spot in the final. And that's what fans all really wanted, right?
Well, perspective is a hard thing in sports. Things are either TERRIBLE or AMAZING, with little in between. So, let's appreciate the moment, eh? The U.S. are in a major(ish) final with a bunch of inexperienced players in the squad. That counts for something. And they handled Guatemala rather well in the semifinal. Sure, there were some nervy moments, but the U.S. pulled through, thanks to Diego Luna's double.
Certainly, Mauricio Pochettino has some credit in the bank. If there's one thing Americans love, it's a little resilience. And the U.S. coach has pieced together a side that has it. But will that be enough against a Mexico side that outmatches them in terms of quality and experience? TBD. But there's a lot to be taken from the last couple weeks.
GOAL US writers break down the USMNT's Gold Cup run in the latest edition of… The Rondo.
Getty ImagesRate USMNT's performance against Guatemala
Tom Hindle: Honestly? 8/10. This was never going to be easy in front of a hostile crowd or rowdy fans, and the U.S. suffered a bit. But it never felt like time to smash the panic button.
Ryan Tolmich: We’ll give it 6/10. At the end of the day, you can’t knock a team too much after a win, but it would have been nice to see the USMNT maintain some measure of control to see things out after getting that early 2-0 lead. Instead, the ending was a bit frenetic, at least partially due to this group’s inexperience. A good lesson ahead of the final, where a different type of performance will be necessary.
Jacob Schneinder: The first half was close to perfect. Those two Luna goals were exactly what they needed. However, a few missed windows on substitutions allowed Guatemala back in it. Overall, 7/10.
Alex Labidou: Let's go with 7/10. It's an imperfect score for a team that isn't always cohesive out, but overall, is effective due to the sum of its parts. The defense still looks patchy, and with Matt Freese still learning on the job in goal, they can't afford to repeat the same mistakes against Mexico in the final. The attack is slightly better, but it appears either Luna or Malik Tillman have to be at their absolute best in order for this team to be effective. The U.S. aren't getting much elsewhere, outside of Patrick Agyemang's impressive work rate.
AdvertisementImagnHas Luna played himself into the World Cup starting XI?
TH: Yes. Honestly, find a way to make it happen. If two out of the attacking three spots – Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah – are nailed down, then Luna simply has to be the third. He's still young, and his form could fluctuate, but he's always shown up for the U.S., and seems to love playing for this country. Get him on the plane.
RT: He’s getting closer. Pulisic isn’t going anywhere and it doesn’t seem Tillman is either. But can Luna leapfrog Weah the other wing spot? That’s the big question. With Weah’s club future uncertain, it’s a storyline to watch. The good news is that Luna keeps getting better and, heading into a World Cup, you can’t have too many good players.
JS: If entirely depends on Weah. He hasn’t done much for the USMNT over the past year, but his pace and craftiness in wide areas can’t be overlooked. It’ll be Weah and Luna fighting for it, because if need comes, Pulisic can play RW.
AL: This is a tough one. It's in no way an indictment of Luna, who has been excellent throughout the tournament. What has been most impressive about his rise during the Gold Cup has been his effort defensively. This is not to say Luna is Joshua Kimmich or Rodri all of a sudden, but there's a real effort and awareness to his game, to not make mistakes and contribute where needed. What needs to be answered is where he would fit on a full-strength squad. While he is a No. 10, he operates a lot on his left – the Pulisic zone. That could create issues for both players. But friendlies during the remainder of the year should be a safe space to see if it can work. What is becoming increasingly clear is that Gio Reyna's World Cup future is under heavy risk. Both Luna and Tillman are effective replacements. Even more concerning for the Dortmund midfielder – they might actually be better in the No. 10 role.
Getty Images SportHas the Gold Cup performance silenced Pochettino’s critics?
TH: Not in full, but it's a decent start. The U.S. manager was never at risk pre-World Cup, but there were some fair questions to be asked about his suitability for international management. Winning, it seems, cures all. And he's done well to shepherd the USMNT to a few good results – even if they could yet lose to Mexico in the final.
RT: It’s less about Pochettino’s critics and more about the critics of individual players. This won’t be the roster playing next summer, and Pochettino knows that. Because of that, this summer was about players such as Tillman, Luna and Freese taking leaps into potential starting roles. A trophy, then, would be a sweet bonus, and would that would show Pochettino has effectively balanced present and future.
JS: It shouldn’t. It’s still hard to see a visible tactical plan with this team. Can’t quite make out what the intention is in buildup, in transition or in possession. A lot of it right now is finding the open man and playing out the back. What is the intended identity? That's unclear.
AL: Credit to where it is due. A month ago, the Argentine looked out of sorts. After a lackluster showing in the June friendlies, Pochettino has fostered a cohesive group that doesn't entirely make sense from a personnel point of view, but has yielded results. Yes, the U.S. haven't exactly been world beaters in this tournament, and we'll learn more about that Sunday. But they've beaten the teams in front of them. Considering where this team was a month ago, it could have capitulated. But it unified instead. That's all a nod to Pochettino's effectiveness as a manager.
Getty ImagesShould Pochettino make any changes for the final?
TH: The thing is, there isn't much room for anyone else. Max Arfsten is still a baffling footballer who can't quite figure out who he's playing for or against. Perhaps John Tolkin can make a claim at left back. Otherwise, it's go with the same guys and hope they can pull out a result.
RT: Knowing the level of opponent, which is far better than any the USMNT have faced, Tolkin should start at left-back to provide a defensive presence. However, with Johnny Cardoso still dealing with injury issues, there aren’t many changes to be made. Maybe Jack McGlynn for Sebastian Berhalte? Realistically, there are only so many players Pochettino trusts in a big game. Most of those ave been on the field in these knockouts.
JS: If you make one, it’s McGlynn for Berhalter, but that’s only if you think you out-posses Mexico. It’s a trade off for forward progression vs defensive prowess and aggression.
AL: Arfsten has been an offensive sparkplug, but the U.S. need more defensive stability to overcome a nearly full-strength Mexico side. It would be prudent for him to come on later with creative energy off the bench. If the U.S. concede early, things could snowball. Pochettino needs to choose a side that gives him the best opportunity to contain Mexico's threats, and then find a way to get past El Tri on the other end.