The United States’ recent match against Bolivia showcased a tale of two contrasting halves, each with its own unique narrative. The opening half witnessed the scoring of both goals, yet it was also marred by offensive missteps and a lack of fluidity in their play.
The second half, however, presented a different picture. The Americans displayed impressive speed, seamless passing, and an abundance of crosses. Yet, despite their dominance, they were unable to find the back of the net. Despite this, the team, led by Gregg Berhalter, could hold their heads high, acknowledging that there was room for improvement.
Gregg Berhalter’s US men’s national team has some areas that require refinement and enhancement.
Captain Christian Pulisic acknowledged that while the team met certain standards, there was still room for improvement. The game, though imperfect, highlighted the Americans’ class and dominance on the field, outshooting Bolivia 20 to 6.
However, it also exposed some vulnerabilities that need addressing if the USA aspires to advance further in the tournament. Nonetheless, the US demonstrated their superiority from the outset.
Pulisic’s early goal, a rocket off the crossbar just over two minutes into the game, set the tone. Yet, the first half was characterized by frustrating football, with the USMNT struggling to find their rhythm and frequently getting in their way. It was only through Folarin Balogun’s persistence that the deadlock was finally broken, as he netted his fourth goal for the USMNT.
The second half witnessed brilliant wing play, with Antonee ‘Jedi’ Robinson and Timothy Weah excelling on the left and right flanks, respectively. However, despite numerous chances, neither Balogun nor his replacement, Ricardo Pepi, could find the back of the net, with Pepi in particular being denied by some impressive saves from Guillermo Viscarra, Bolivia’s standout player.
The second half also saw Bolivia create their most significant opportunities, often exploiting defensive errors by the Americans. Moving forward, there are two key questions that merit consideration: What insights did this game provide about the United States, and what are their prospects for this tournament and beyond?
Firstly, it is evident that the United States possesses the necessary talent and potential to be a formidable team. This was evident throughout the match, with Pulisic’s goal and assist showcasing his prowess as the best player on the pitch for the Americans. The attack and midfield also hold promise, particularly once Tyler Adams regains full fitness.
Adams’ absence in the second half, a decision made by Berhalter despite the player’s insistence on his health, was noticeable. Given the Americans’ dominance, the final score could have easily been more lopsided, reflecting the disparity between the two sides.
The United States can reflect on a commendable performance against Bolivia
Looking ahead, it is crucial to consider the potential opponents the United States may face in the knockout stages, assuming they progress as expected. Finishing first in their group would likely pit them against Colombia, Paraguay, or Costa Rica, while a second-place finish could mean a matchup with Brazil.
This context underscores the significance of the Bolivia game and the concurrent match between group rivals Uruguay and Panama. Uruguay currently tops Group C on goal difference following their 3-1 victory over Panama. The United States could have mirrored this result had Pepi’s efforts found the net, or had Weah’s chances been more clinical. Balogun, too, had multiple opportunities in the first half that could have altered the outcome.
The United States still has the opportunity to finish atop the group with a win over Panama and a draw against Uruguay, provided they can improve their goal difference. However, as things stand, Uruguay holds that advantage. The Americans now find themselves in a position where they must aim to dominate their upcoming match against Panama to enhance their chances of topping the group without relying solely on the Uruguay game.
US Soccer is focused on leveraging the Copa America as a catalyst for growth and success ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
While immediate advancement in the tournament is a key objective, US Soccer is also utilizing this opportunity to build towards the 2026 World Cup. The extended time the team has spent together in training has fostered a stronger bond and a culture of mutual accountability, as evidenced by the players’ attitudes and demands of one another.
The longer their journey in this tournament extends, the more profound that connection can become, which will be invaluable in the long term. Thus, while winning the Copa America is undoubtedly a goal, the experience gained and the team’s growth are equally important.
This tournament could serve as a pivotal moment in shifting the perception of the team, transforming them from pretenders to legitimate contenders for the 2026 World Cup, an event expected to significantly impact the sport’s popularity in the United States. Success at the Copa America may not be solely defined by the outcome of this tournament but by the progress and evolution that it catalyzes in the years to come.