Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
The USMNT suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Panama within the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals, elevating critical issues about their progress beneath head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The loss, which got here in second-half stoppage time, was a crushing blow for a squad anticipated to defend their title.
As they now put together for a third-place showdown in opposition to Canada, Pochettino has made it clear—he expects extra from his gamers, together with star ahead Christian Pulisic.
The disappointment at SoFi Stadium left followers and analysts questioning the workforce’s identification. Regardless of dominating possession and taking 12 photographs, the U.S. did not generate an actual attacking risk. Panama’s disciplined defensive strategy annoyed them all through the night time, and a late strike from Cecilio Waterman sealed the Individuals’ destiny.
Talking forward of the third-place match, Pochettino didn’t mince phrases. He known as for his squad to present psychological resilience and show they’ll deal with strain. “I believe what we wish to see is identical focus and focus and psychological degree in each single recreation, official (competitors) or no official competitors,” he informed reporters, per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN. “And for me, [Sunday] goes to be a recreation, an necessary recreation to see how we react. We have to present character … It’s not solely in regards to the end result but it surely’s additionally about (bettering) our efficiency.”
For the Argentine boss, the conflict in opposition to Canada is about extra than simply securing a comfort prize. He sees it as a essential check of the workforce’s mentality, a chance for the gamers to show they’ll bounce again from adversity.
What did Pochettino say about Pulisic’s underwhelming show?
Whereas the workforce as an entire struggled in opposition to Panama, Christian Pulisic’s efficiency stood out for all of the improper causes. The Milan winger was largely ineffective, registering only one shot all through the match. Given his status because the squad’s most impactful attacker, his lack of affect raised eyebrows.
Pochettino acknowledged the 26-year-old’s struggles however defended his star, emphasizing the pressures he has been beneath in current months. “It’s not [an] excuse, however a participant like him is beneath strain in the previous couple of months, excessive strain,” Pochettino stated in his pre-match remarks. “For certain, that’s not the Christian we wish to see as a result of I believe he can do a lot better.”
Nevertheless, the previous Premier League coach stays assured that Pulisic will rediscover his greatest type when it issues most. “If we’re considering to the primary goal, that’s the World Cup, and little question Christian goes to be prepared and goes to be at his greatest… for us.”
