America's World Cup Run - In Graphs
- Fred
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
United States 4 - Paraguay 1
Almost a perfect game, any criticisms would be ticky-tacky. Entertaining, and attacking, style of soccer, just about from start to finish.
United States 2 - Australia 0
Another impressive performance, another good win.
You may not have needed Christian Pulisic today, but you're going to need him if you expect to advance to the quarterfinals, or dare I dream, the semifinals.
Turkey 3 - Untied States 2
The United States mostly dictated play and had already qualified for the next round, so I had no problems with Coach Pochettino emptying his bench. Do I wish the US won this game? Of course, but I'm still optimistic that this team can make a deep run. If you told me, before the World Cup started, that the USMNT would score 8 goals and would win their group, I would have been ECSTATIC.
United States 2 - Bosnia 0
For the first time since 2015, the United States has defeated two European teams back-to-back. This run in the World Cup has been historically significant, matching the runs in 1934, 1994, 2010, 2014, and 2022. If they beat Belgium, it will be their second best World Cup result since 1930 (tying 2002).
What am I worried about? Statistically, the USMNT has outplayed all their opponents. I am proud of an American team that has looked so fundamentally sound.
In the past, US runs have been sparked by stellar goaltending. Matt Freese has done a good job in goal, but has only made 6 saves in 3 games. The keys to this run have been Chris Richards and Tim Ream on the back line and Folarin Balogun on the front line.
With Balogun out with his suspension, does Matt Freese have the capability to steal a game for America?
I don't know.
Before we start, Balogun was reinstated for the game. We are not going to talk about that.
Belgium 4 - United States 1
I am way too sour to give ending commentary. Just a bunch of bullet points.
According to AI: The United States has NEVER won three consecutive official matches against European Countries in the Modern Era. That streak continued.
Before the tournament started, we predicted the USMNT would lose in the Round of 16. They lost in the Round of 16.
All hosts were eliminated in the Round of 16. For Canada's program, it was a victory to get that far. For Mexico and the United States, many expected that home cooking would get them to the quarterfinals. It did not.
America was losing to Belgium 2-1 at the half. They basically lost the game there. Once Belgium went up 3-1, they were satisfied with a bend, but don't break, defense.
Matt Freese turned out to be an average goaltender. He stole ZERO games for the Americans. Cape Verde's goaltender had 8 saves in their loss against Argentina, Freese had 9 saves across the tournament.
Before the tournament started, America was ranked 16th in the world. Again, they lost in the Round of 16. Just about where they belonged.
During the group stage, Tim Howard made waves with this statement: “The U.S. cannot, unequivocally, win the World Cup.” He was 100% right.
Before the tournament started, if you told me Christian Pulisic would be injured throughout, I would say that the team was screwed. They were against Belgium.
Congratulations to the USMNT for matching, but not exceeding, expectations.
You know what? I got nothing else.
I'm going to lay in my bed and sulk.
Post-Script: I think the USMNT wants to give Mauricio Pochettino a 4-year contract. I also think Pochettino gets a job in Europe within the month.
My favorite soccer song: