The USA face Türkiye at Los Angeles Stadium in the early hours of Friday morning, already through as Group D winners and targeting an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup victory.
Mauricio Pochettino has made clear his ambition despite the freedom to rotate. The USMNT have won back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time since 1930, and a third straight win would give Pochettino more victories as a manager at this tournament than any American coach in history, surpassing Bruce Arena and Robert Millar’s mark of two.
Pochettino confirmed publicly on Wednesday that the four players carrying yellow cards — Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson — will not start. Risking suspension ahead of the round of 32 fixture on 1 July is not an option.
Christian Pulisic, sidelined with a left calf complaint since being withdrawn at half-time against Paraguay, has returned to full training and is nearing fitness. He will not start, though a controlled cameo from the bench has not been ruled out.
Cristian Roldan is carrying a muscle strain and is day-to-day. Matt Freese continues in goal, having impressed throughout the group stage. Joe Scally covers at right back, with Max Arfsten on the left.
Mauricio Pochettino has made clear his ambition despite the freedom to rotate. The USMNT have won back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time since 1930, and a third straight win would give Pochettino more victories as a manager at this tournament than any American coach in history, surpassing Bruce Arena and Robert Millar’s mark of two.
Pochettino confirmed publicly on Wednesday that the four players carrying yellow cards — Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson — will not start. Risking suspension ahead of the round of 32 fixture on 1 July is not an option.
Christian Pulisic, sidelined with a left calf complaint since being withdrawn at half-time against Paraguay, has returned to full training and is nearing fitness. He will not start, though a controlled cameo from the bench has not been ruled out.
Cristian Roldan is carrying a muscle strain and is day-to-day. Matt Freese continues in goal, having impressed throughout the group stage. Joe Scally covers at right back, with Max Arfsten on the left.
4 months ago
