Sports

USMNT vs. Brazil: Three things the US needs to do to bounce back from its loss to Colombia

Published

3 weeks ago

June 12, 2024

USMNT vs. Brazil: Three things the US needs to do to bounce back from its loss to Colombia

With a record loss in return for Colombia behind them, it’s now time for the United States men’s national team to bounce back and show they’re ready for the Copa America. There’s just one small problem. Their next game is against Orlando on Wednesday night Brazil. The Brazilian defense is unbeaten in their last three games and may have some things to work on ahead of the Copa, but behind super sub Endrick the attack has been fearsome. They scored seven goals in those three games, three of which came through the seventeen-year game. old.

After the USMNT hit a new low and manager Gregg Berhalter called his team because he disrespected his opponent and the game of football, not seeing an improvement against Brazil would be devastating for the team and its management.

“I think what he’s trying to say is that we played exactly what Colombia does best and that’s the transition game. We didn’t do enough in the last 30 minutes to soften that kind of play. I think that’s really where he in is.” got when he said that.” Tim Ream said in response to a question about what Berhalter meant by his comments about disrespect.

What can the USMNT do differently this time?

Don’t let Brazil interfere in their game

Ream talked about one of the first mistakes the USMNT made by letting Colombia play their game. Making a similar mistake against Brazil, where they will probably see Rafinha, RodrygoAnd Vinicius Junior in attack could prove fatal, as Brazil are a team that can hit you both on the counter and if they are allowed to retain possession, so the USMNT will have to show that they can both get physical and retain possession.

In recent matches, Brazil has given teams chances to score as defense is their weak point in such a strong team Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and Tim Weah will have to make better use of their opportunities in this match. Had they been more clinical in the first half against Colombia, that match might have been a different story and the front three are the strength of the USMNT. If they can turn the mold of fear in their Copa America opposition, defending will become a much easier job.

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Time for a back three?

Speaking of retaining possession even though it could hinder the attack, one way to slow down the game and focus on defense is to roll out a three-man defense. This is something Berhalter mentioned as a replacement option Sergino Dest and because Tim Weah is used to playing as a full-back for his club, it is also an option that is not foreign to him. The tricky thing about this is that we have to leave the dynamic Gio Reyna on the bench, but something has to change to challenge Brazil.

The addition of a third centre-back may seem a little redundant given Brazil don’t play with a recognized number nine, but it also offers more set goals to make the most of dead-ball situations. If what we’ve seen consistently from the UMSNT hasn’t worked in big games, why not shake it up a bit and see what you have in a different formation?

Potential line-up: Matt Turner, Antonee RobinsonTim Ream, Chris Richards, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Weston McKennie, Yunus MusahTim Weah, Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun

Fight for the top

Tactics are important, but where things went wrong against Colombia is not entirely up to Xs and Os. That’s why it was such a disheartening loss. While former USMNT teams may not have had players in the top five European leagues, they would come out every game and leave everything they had on the field to fight for victory. At the end of the match against Colombia it felt like the USMNT gave up, which is unacceptable even in a friendly match.

Victory is not required against Brazil, although a win could improve morale quite a bit, but what is needed is improved performance. The USMNT needs to want the ball more. By doing that, good things will follow, otherwise they will be staring at a quick exit from the Copa America.