America opened its 2024 Copa America account with a 2-0 win over Bolivia on Sunday night. The aim for the USMNT was at all times three factors in opposition to an inferior opponent. Because the adage goes, the aim for the staff is getting out of the group. Selecting up three factors in opposition to Bolivia forward of one other winnable sport in opposition to Panama was the primary cog in that course of. But, there was a bitter style within the mouth of USA followers after the win at AT&T Stadium.
Christian Pulisic’s stunner and Folarin Balogun’s insurance coverage aim confirmed what the USMNT is able to. Nonetheless, for each second of positivity out of Gregg Berhalter’s facet, there have been equal moments of frustration. The shortcoming to complete on clear probabilities in entrance of aim, sloppy play out of the defensive third when constructing possession and nervous moments in opposition to a poor Bolivia facet confirmed the cracks within the USMNT.
Gregg Berhalter mentioned certainly one of his pre-tournament expectations for the US was to consistently enhance. Based mostly on the schedule at hand, there may be ample alternative to do this with out damaging danger. For instance, the US was allowed to play comparatively poorly based mostly on the standard of the opposition.
“For us, it’s nearly analyzing and enhancing,” Berhalter mentioned after the win in opposition to Bolivia. “I talked about certainly one of our goals all through this event was to maintain making an attempt to get higher. I just like the efficiency for a gap sport in opposition to a troublesome opponent. We’re in a superb place.”
Sure, the US is in a superb place. Three factors in opposition to Panama would greater than possible put the US into the spherical of 16. Nonetheless, the woes of the US, in opposition to an admittedly not-difficult opponent, ought to elevate considerations.
Extra scientific ending wanted for USA in Copa America
Exterior of three factors, the primary takeaway for the US was the amount and high quality of probabilities it created. The USMNT had way more possession and 20 pictures to go together with that. Eight of these pictures have been on track, which exhibits the USMNT was having success in creation.
“We’ll at all times take a look at probability creation as a marker of efficiency, and I believe we created sufficient probabilities at the moment,” Berhalter mentioned. “And on most days, these likelihood is going to go in — and at the moment they didn’t, and that’s effective.”
It could be effective if it have been simply an off-day for an awesome striker. America is working to search out out which striker works. Balogun bought the beginning, and his aim got here on the again of an awesome end simply earlier than halftime. Even he missed alternatives together with a unfastened contact on a misfired shot from Joe Scally. Ricardo Pepi got here on as a second-half substitute, and he was wasteful in entrance of the Bolivia internet.
By the top of the competition, the USMNT amassed an expected-goals statistic of two.51, which means probabilities have been left unfinished. That is extra worrying given the unrepeatable nature of Pulisic scoring a world-class aim off a nook. Pepi and Balogun have been stepping into the best areas, which is nice. Nevertheless, ending wants enchancment in opposition to a extra defensively savvy facet like Uruguay. It’s value noting that Bolivia has conceded 14 objectives in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. That’s greater than the present prime 4 groups mixed.
Defensive inefficiencies might be cleaned up
Two objectives have been sufficient in opposition to Bolivia as a result of the US’ opponent failed to attain. A stronger facet would have capitalized on errors among the many again line. The total-backs for the US have been effective, Joe Scally and Antonee Robinson maintained their defensive obligations whereas parading ahead within the assault.
Chris Richards and Tim Ream didn’t have the identical consolation enjoying out of the again. A number of wayward passes sparked half probabilities for Bolivia. The USMNT was capable of get well in opposition to weak attackers. But, placing the protection on the again foot in opposition to an assault like Federico Valverde, Darwin Nunez and a younger Facundo Pellistri can have penalties.
There may be definitely an argument that these center-backs would wish to search out their footing within the Copa America. Though they’ve expertise in prime video games in World Cup qualifying or different tournaments, Bolivia was an unfamiliar opponent. Because the event goes on, they hope to get extra comfy, and the US can have extra composure enjoying out of the again.
As said, the Panama sport on Thursday, July 27, could possibly be sufficient to place the USMNT into the spherical of 16, taking strain off the group-stage finale in opposition to Uruguay. Till then, Berhalter has the duty of continuous his proposed enchancment in every sport.
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Copa América 2024
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