Source: Call It What You Want (CBS Sports Golazo) — Can USMNT close March on a positive? | USA vs. Portugal preview & predictions (Soccer 3/30)
Duration: 1h 13m
USMNT intensity issues
The problem was to keep that intensity. In the moment that we matched the intensity of Belgium, I think we were, even though in some moment we were better. But it's true that when we drop a little bit in our intensity, we have superiority, but we were not aggressive enough.
Portugal squad depth
I marvel at this Portuguese team who seem to be just getting better and better. In some ways, we could argue, might even be better without Ronaldo because he's just not as mobile as he once was.
USMNT world standing
We are a top five, top eight nation in the world as a team at this moment? It's not true. Currently with this U.S. Men's National Team, we have been trending in the right direction to compete at the highest level against those top teams.
USMNT tactical formation
The guy who benefits the most from playing in three in the back is Tim Ream. The guy who gets hurt the most by playing two in the back is Tim Ream. You can't put anybody in a position where they're almost destined to fail.
USMNT vs. Belgium analysis
I feel probably even better than I did rewatching the first half. The issue with conceding at the end of the first half, like in anything, it kills the momentum. It kills the foundation they were able to build.
Pulisic goal drought
It's frustrating for me. It's been a tough patch, but I feel confident in the way that I'm playing. And I feel good. I'm creating chances. I just have to stay positive and keep going.
Pulisic importance to USMNT
I find it hard to believe that we could have a truly successful World Cup if Christian Pulisic isn't at his best. And that would in general mean he's in and amongst the goals and assists.
USMNT defensive personnel
If you're throwing in players who aren't primarily the best one-v-one attackers in the world, they still have an advantage with a player like Max Aaronson playing at left back. He's not a defender.
Johnny Cardoso performance
I personally can't get over—we've got a guy at Atleti who's playing in Champions League, who's playing in the Madrid Derby a week ago, and we're going to throw him out. I think it was the Gold Cup that flipped the switch for Malik Tillman; I feel the same way about Johnny Cardoso.
Portugal tactical preview
When you're looking at that Portugal midfield, because they're so gifted at finding space and drawing people out of position, that's when they hurt you with that killer pass. They never seem rattled.
