Let's move on to the next round Getting out of the World Cup group stage is always a success, but for the United States reaching that round of 16 is a valuable point of reference for a team where qualification is not always guaranteed.Sailing in a veteran and brave Group B, the USMNT scored two goals, gave up one from the penalty spot and generally played solid and exciting first halves, which led to second halves of substitutions and game management. Fans were exasperated and scratching their heads.
The last two games of the group, USA-England and USA-Iran, have been publicized and presented as geopolitical clashes. Fox TV coverage has constantly flashed not-so-subtle reminders that the USMNT is a representative of the United States on this stage. It's also a reminder that Qatar's World Cup politics are never far away.
The group opener against Wales was a wake-up call that sapped early hopes, but came at the right time for the team, allowing a response in the following two games. The Welsh veteran, with perhaps too much reliance on slightly outdated stars (no offense to Gareth Bale or LAFC), has nonetheless proven to be a hard-working team, summed up by his efforts to replace Kieffer Moore and give him long for their lanky striker. It paid off, of course, with Gareth Bale winning and scoring a penalty to give Wales their only point from their first World Cup since 1958! As well as giving Wales their goal and point, this match also provided a glimpse of the talent and skill of Timothy Weah, the Lille striker otherwise known as a Ballon D'Or winner and son of the club president. Liberia George Weah. Good family to have around USMNT camp. A deft touch with the outside of the boot crowned an example of the decisive, quick play, creatively and skilfully executed, that the team and its young roster must play with to reach their best potential at this World Cup.
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and a consumer celebration in the United States, created an exciting atmosphere and drew the most attention to a men's soccer broadcast in American history. Being home for the holidays, I watched the game in a bar with friends; a fun atmosphere, although Pittsburgh, like many parts of the United States, remains more of an American football town. I wonder how support for the USMNT will grow as this generation of American stars continues to emerge on the European stage.
The first half was fast paced and watchable, with the USA on the front foot, including a miss from McKennie which sadly got worse as more replays aired and Pulisic lighting left foot that hit the crossbar. The second half slowed as both managers seemed content with a draw. A head of Harry Kane to death that he most often makes almost sour during the day but the result is nil-nil...
Let's move on to the next round Getting out of the World Cup group stage is always a success, but for the United States reaching that round of 16 is a valuable point of reference for a team where qualification is not always guaranteed.Sailing in a veteran and brave Group B, the USMNT scored two goals, gave up one from the penalty spot and generally played solid and exciting first halves, which led to second halves of substitutions and game management. Fans were exasperated and scratching their heads.
The last two games of the group, USA-England and USA-Iran, have been publicized and presented as geopolitical clashes. Fox TV coverage has constantly flashed not-so-subtle reminders that the USMNT is a representative of the United States on this stage. It's also a reminder that Qatar's World Cup politics are never far away.
The group opener against Wales was a wake-up call that sapped early hopes, but came at the right time for the team, allowing a response in the following two games. The Welsh veteran, with perhaps too much reliance on slightly outdated stars (no offense to Gareth Bale or LAFC), has nonetheless proven to be a hard-working team, summed up by his efforts to replace Kieffer Moore and give him long for their lanky striker. It paid off, of course, with Gareth Bale winning and scoring a penalty to give Wales their only point from their first World Cup since 1958! As well as giving Wales their goal and point, this match also provided a glimpse of the talent and skill of Timothy Weah, the Lille striker otherwise known as a Ballon D'Or winner and son of the club president. Liberia George Weah. Good family to have around USMNT camp. A deft touch with the outside of the boot crowned an example of the decisive, quick play, creatively and skilfully executed, that the team and its young roster must play with to reach their best potential at this World Cup.
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and a consumer celebration in the United States, created an exciting atmosphere and drew the most attention to a men's soccer broadcast in American history. Being home for the holidays, I watched the game in a bar with friends; a fun atmosphere, although Pittsburgh, like many parts of the United States, remains more of an American football town. I wonder how support for the USMNT will grow as this generation of American stars continues to emerge on the European stage.
The first half was fast paced and watchable, with the USA on the front foot, including a miss from McKennie which sadly got worse as more replays aired and Pulisic lighting left foot that hit the crossbar. The second half slowed as both managers seemed content with a draw. A head of Harry Kane to death that he most often makes almost sour during the day but the result is nil-nil...
Photo : Ebrahim Noroozi/AP (Sports Illustrated)
