Lessons learned from USA-Bolivia game in Copa America

The United States opened its 2024 Copa America account with a 2-0 win over Bolivia on Sunday evening. The goal for the USMNT was always three points against an inferior opponent. As the adage goes, the goal for the team is getting out of the group. Picking up three points against Bolivia ahead of another winnable game against Panama was the first cog in that process. Yet, there was a sour taste in the mouth of USA fans after the win at AT&T Stadium.

Christian Pulisic’s stunner and Folarin Balogun’s insurance goal showed what the USMNT is capable of. Still, for every moment of positivity out of Gregg Berhalter’s side, there were equal moments of frustration. The inability to finish on clear chances in front of goal, sloppy play out of the defensive third when building possession and nervous moments against a poor Bolivia side showed the cracks in the USMNT.

Gregg Berhalter said one of his pre-tournament expectations for the United States was to constantly improve. Based on the schedule at hand, there is ample opportunity to do that without damaging risk. For example, the United States was allowed to play relatively poorly based on the quality of the opposition.

“For us, it’s just about analyzing and improving,” Berhalter said after the win against Bolivia. “I talked about one of our objectives throughout this tournament was to keep trying to get better. I like the performance for an opening game against a difficult opponent. We’re in a good position.”

Yes, the United States is in a good position. Three points against Panama would more than likely put the United States into the round of 16. Still, the woes of the United States, against an admittedly not-difficult opponent, should raise concerns.

More clinical finishing needed for USA in Copa America

Outside of three points, the main takeaway for the United States was the quantity and quality of chances it created. The USMNT had far more possession and 20 shots to go along…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/lessons-learned-from-usa-bolivia-game-in-copa-america/

Author : Kyle Fansler

Publish date : 2024-06-24 15:45:47

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