The U.S. men’s national soccer team appears to have regained its momentum under Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino during the ongoing Gold Cup.
Following two disappointing warm-up matches against Switzerland and Türkiye, where the U.S. lost both games, concerns were raised among federation officials.
Pochettino, however, was granted the opportunity to develop the squad without undue pressure, with a focus on using the Gold Cup’s group stage to foster confidence against seemingly less challenging opponents.
So far, this strategy seems to have yielded positive results.
Not only has the U.S. team enhanced its performance, but it also secured the necessary wins and points to top its group.
Despite facing challenges in their last group match against Haiti, the team emerged victoriously with a close 2-1 scoreline.
The situation surrounding Christian Pulisic, the team’s star player and AC Milan forward, has been a notable talking point.
Prior to the tournament, Pulisic communicated to Pochettino his intention to participate in the friendlies against Switzerland and Türkiye but opted out of the Gold Cup, citing the need for rest after a demanding club season.
In response, Pochettino stated clearly that no individual player could dictate terms regarding national team commitments.
Pulisic’s public declaration created speculation about his future involvement with the national team, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Despite the potential for discord, it seems that the locker room was not entirely destabilized by the incident.
As the U.S. squad secures three consecutive wins, the impact of Pulisic’s absence is becoming less pronounced.
In fact, the team seems to be thriving without him as they continue their campaign in the tournament, while Pulisic enjoys his summer break.
Looking ahead, the U.S. team’s upward trajectory could signal challenges for regional rivals Mexico.
As the Gold Cup progresses, a showdown between the U.S. and Mexico looms large, with both teams showing signs of resurgence.
The prospect of the two teams facing off in the knockout stage is likely to rekindle memories of historic encounters, such as the famed “Dos a Cero” match, which could play a pivotal role in their rivalry.
While Mexico’s managerial changes under Javier Aguirre seem to be paying off, both teams remain a work in progress, overcoming underwhelming opponents but not quite reaching their full potential.
The anticipated clash between the U.S. and Mexico is bound to be the highlight of the 2025 Gold Cup.
However, Canada should not be underestimated, as they have emerged as a formidable squad in the region over the past few years, challenging the long-standing dominance of both the U.S. and Mexico.
In the end, the U.S. men’s national team continues to prove its resilience and adaptability even in the absence of key players like Pulisic.
For now, it seems Pulisic’s summer getaway does not leave a void in the squad’s performance, allowing it to advance commendably in the tournament.
image source from：marca
