Preview: USMNT and Australia looking to back up big wins

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By Neel Shelat

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Free-flowing USMNT have found an attacking formula

How Mauricio Pochettino would set the United States men’s national team (USMNT) was not entirely clear coming into the World Cup, but it should be now after an emphatic 4-1 win over Paraguay in their opener.

The co-hosts tore apart the South Americans’ player-oriented mid block with a very dynamic attacking performance, running rings around the opposition defence with constant movement. While they lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation on paper with Sergiño Dest on the right of a front three, they moved into a back three in possession with Antonee Robinson advancing on the left flank and freeing Christian Pulisic to drift infield. Tyler Adams operated as the lone defensive midfielder as the two number eights caused all sorts of problems with their forward runs.

All of that contributed to the USMNT’s first World Cup win, so they will be high on confidence as they prepare to take another step towards the knockouts.

Another test for Australia’s defensive resolve

Australia showcased excellent defensive discipline as they got the better of Türkiye in Vancouver.

Having taken the lead in under half an hour, they bunkered into a low block and sought to frustrate their opponents. The Socceroos did exactly that, giving up precious few clear looks at their goal. Though they faced 30 shots, the majority of them were from outside the box. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach worked hard to earn a clean sheet on his competitive international debut, keeping out all eight shots on target that he faced.

While Tony Popovic’s side kept out Türkiye’s technicians with sheer numbers at the back, they will face a different sort of test against a more dynamic USMNT.

Team news

Pulisic is the only doubt across both squads after he was brought off at half-time against Paraguay. He has been training separately due to a left calf issue, so the extent to which he will be available is uncertain.

Key Players

The USMNT will need their attacking stars to step up if they are to find a way through the Australian defence. Tillman’s clever runs in and around the box will be important, while Folarin Balogun will be keen to add to his brace from the opener. At the back, Alex Freeman will have an important role to play in limiting the Socceroos’ counterattacking threat.

Australia can expect Beach to face some more tests in goal, but they will hope that the back line shields him as far as possible. 6′ 6″ centre-back Harry Souttar will have a big role to play in that, and he will also be a significant threat from set-pieces at the other end. Nestory Irankunda will hope to lead the attacking charge again after scoring a wonderful opener against Türkiye to become the Socceroos’ youngest World Cup scorer.

Prediction

A close contest between two cohesive units should be in the offing. The USMNT may be on the front foot for longer stretches, but might have to settle for a score draw.

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(Cover image from IMAGO)

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