The US Males’s Nationwide Staff (USMNT) finds itself below immense stress because it prepares for a decisive Copa America 2024 group stage match towards Uruguay tonight.
Following a shocking loss to Panama, the group’s possibilities of advancing to the knockout stage cling within the steadiness, sparking intense scrutiny and criticism directed on the US Soccer Federation’s determination to retain head coach Gregg Berhalter.
Pulisic will get torched by USMNT teammates enjoying American soccer
Berhalter’s ways put into query
Former USMNT star Herculez Gomez is among the many most vocal critics, expressing his frustration with the federation’s selection to stay with Berhalter.
Gomez, talking on ESPN, emphasised that the federation ought to have acted sooner, significantly after the group’s slim escape towards Jamaica within the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals.
He questioned the message being despatched to followers and the expectations for the group as they look forward to the World Cup.
“The stress you are referring to has at all times been there,”Berhalter advised reporters at Arrowhead Stadium.
He emphasised that the exterior criticism is past his management, focusing as an alternative on making ready the group to play confidently and carry out strongly.
Regardless of Berhalter’s achievements, together with main the group to the knockout levels of the 2022 World Cup, current performances have been underwhelming.
The defeat to Panama highlighted tactical shortcomings, with the USMNT struggling even earlier than Timothy Weah’s purple card.
The group’s midfield was overwhelmed, and Berhalter’s substitutions failed to alter the sport’s dynamics, leaving followers and analysts questioning his methods.
USMNT’s do or die recreation towards Uruguay
The stakes could not be increased for tonight’s match towards Uruguay.
The USMNT, at present second in Group C, should safe a victory to have an opportunity at advancing, particularly with the expectation that Panama will defeat Bolivia.
Berhalter and captain Christian Pulisic have emphasised the necessity for a powerful efficiency, with Pulisic initially stating that the group should “play the sport of our lives” however later tempering his remarks to emphasize the significance of depth and execution.
Including to the challenges, the group’s beginning goalkeeper, Matt Turner, is unsure for the match attributable to a leg damage sustained through the Panama recreation.
Turner has been taking part in gentle coaching, however his standing stays unclear.
In the meantime, the absence of Timothy Weah, who acquired a two-match ban, leaves a spot within the group’s lineup that Berhalter should deal with.
Uruguay, regardless of already securing a spot within the knockout rounds, is predicted to discipline a full-strength squad.
