Futbol Americas: USMNT World Cup Preview Show - 100 Days Away!
USMNT World Cup path
If the U.S. wants the best scenario, they have to win the group. If you win the group, most likely scenario is a third-place team that you should get by, and in the round of 16, Belgium. After you beat this version of Belgium, a quarterfinal appearance versus Spain—that's the end of the road.
Mauricio Pochettino impact
This team before Mauricio Pochettino was soft. It was a team that if you got in their face, they backed down. Somewhere along the lines, that changed. The message changed. The culture changed.
There is a competitive tension now within the group. You could pick the lineup with your eyes closed before, but now players are being left out of camps. It's a real meritocracy now that Mauricio Pochettino has created.
Christian Pulisic importance
If Christian Pulisic isn't at his optimum level, if he's not geared and ready to go, I don't care what you think you're doing in this World Cup, it's not happening. He is the difference maker.
World Cup logistics/Iran
Looking within the context of the World Cup, certainly whether Iran is going to participate or not, or be able to participate, is an issue that FIFA needs to begin sorting out now.
USMNT World Cup expectations
I think if they only get knocked out in the round of 32, then it's going to be a disappointment, a blown opportunity because this is just an amazing moment for US soccer.
If the U.S. men's national team was ever going to do anything of worth in a World Cup, certainly at home with what many presume is the pool with the most talented players you've ever had, this would be the moment.
USMNT team cohesion
I haven't seen that kind of result from this group yet. I think that's a question mark heading into this particular World Cup: are these guys tested enough? Do they have the cohesion to be able to get a result that's really going to surprise the world?
USMNT tactical analysis
Tim Ream is your best defender with the ball. He sees things. He can play these long balls in between lines. But if Tim Ream is forced to defend, God help you. He doesn't have the legs anymore.
USMNT midfield selection
I think the obvious emergence of Tanner Tessman leads me to believe that the duality of box-to-box midfielders, and available to play a pivot role with Tyler Adams, he would be the guy I slot next to Tyler Adams.
USMNT striker race
I think Balogun is probably your starter. And then if you need to play more direct, you have options to come off the bench. I like the options, but I just want to see them do it at that highest level.
