We can have an intelligent debate about whether this current version of the United States national team represents a “Golden Generation.” There is time for that discussion.
But whatever we call it, this simply cannot be up for debate: a young team grew significantly on Friday, looking gutsy and unfazed, regaining some lost global stature by drawing England in a much-anticipated heartbreak – one that It will not disappoint, no matter the score of 0-0.
There will always be these matches that are much more than the sum of their influence on the group standings. This big Black Friday event, one of those occasions, turned out like this. It was calculated tactically, necessarily by an American side that showed almost no ingenuity, even if a small allowance would be understandable.
Friday’s result may have little impact on the group finish, but it certainly provides a huge psychological boost for Gregg Berhalter’s team.
From the English side, it could be a continuing source of frustration that the Three Lions have yet to beat the United States in a World Cup (Still!). And while the USA youth roster may be encouraged to fearlessly trade blows with a heavy favourite, it has to be said that the end result still favored the English.
Gareth Southgate’s team, in top form to advance in this FIFA World Cup, while the United States must beat Iran on Tuesday, the third and final day of the group stage. Still, Berhalter’s team can get a lot out of this one.
What went right: The midfield class and Berhalter’s plan
As for the personnel, Berhalter made one change for the warm night at the Al Bayt Stadium. Haji Wright, a surprise on the US roster, replaced striker Josh Sargent, who was quiet against Wales aside from the critical part of him scoring a great goal. Beyond that, there were no changes to central defence, where Walker Zimmerman kept his place alongside Tim Ream despite the poor challenge helping Wales pull away to an equaliser.
Tactically, the American coach made a surprising change. Berhalter has generally been a staunch defender of the 4-3-3, but he agreed to something a little more practical on Friday: a 4-4-2 with McKennie fanning out a little further back on the right than Christian Pulisic on the left.
The idea seemed to be to make the England centre-backs, the Southgate team’s weak point, make more penetrating passes. It worked, as the Americans were marginally better in the first half and surely the aggressors after the break. England’s frustration was most palpable around the 60th minute, when the American attack created four corners in quick succession.
When the second half used one, it was Southgate looking for the influential changes; Berhalter, according to the scene that was unfolding, seemed concerned only with managing the minutes.
As in the first game against Wales, the US’s strongest point was in midfield. That’s no surprise; is what we all saw in Berhalter’s selections. Tyler Adams, McKennie and Yunus Musah form a mobile center triangle, skillful and energetic, even if the depth may drop from there.
Once again, Adams was masterful, probably the brightest figure on both teams, timing the innings well and smart at cleaning up any mess. McKennie was effective again, his personality and his drive from midfield causing problems for England. While we can criticize the quality of his goal-scoring efforts, we can also importantly point out that he was effective through a longer window on Friday, and his fitness continued a useful upward trend.
After 15 minutes in which England had the best chances, the USA’s right side entrenched. For 20-25 minutes, McKennie, Sergino Dest and Tim Weah combined to create problems on the right side.
Ream in charge, American defense was firm
I’m not sure what you’re saying about Berhalter that Ream was, again, the best defender for the US, calm and confident from back to front. Don’t forget that Ream seemed to be a late addition to the roster, selected only because of an injury elsewhere. Meanwhile, Zimmerman did just enough, despite an increasing number of shaky moments.
Goalie Matt Turner, who didn’t play soccer until high school, looked like a man who’d been keeping goal in mass games his entire life.
England striker Harry Kane had a good look early (Zimmerman hit just then, coming in well for the block) and another late on, a deflected header. Otherwise not much. Late introductions from Jordan Henderson and Jack Grealish livened up England’s attack, but not enough. The United States got theirs at the World Cup.
What went wrong: no goals
McKennie and Pulisic had the best chances for the US McKennie fired one over the bar from very close to a Weah cross, while Pulisic hit one off the crossbar. Pulisic, not necessarily always present in this one, still had the look of an attacker who could turn the tide in an instant.
His serve from set pieces was better, even if that part still seems like a work in progress from a team point of view. Be that as it may, they will need at least one goal next week against Iran, because a draw will not be enough.
Maybe Gio Reyna can add some energy to the attack; the volume of that ongoing conversation may be lower, since she entered the match, albeit late. But the next few days will continue to be filled with questions about his limited role up to this point.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Fotoarena
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