It’s finally here. Pochettino’s first game as USMNT manager
Mark your calendars. 9PM ET this Saturday. The Pochettino Era for the USMNT finally begins.
Poch’s first game in charge is a friendly in Austin, TX versus Panama. Panama is ranked #37 in the FIFA Rankings – which means they are a decent team. They’ve also been a tricky matchup for the USMNT in recent years, with Panama winning 3 of the last 4 meetings (Copa America, a shootout win in the 2023 Gold Cup Semis, and a 1-0 W in Panama during 2022 World Cup Qualifying).
The last meeting of course was the disastrous defeat in the Copa America that ultimately ended our chance to make a run in that tournament, but also ended Gregg Berhalter’s tenure as head coach. As a result, many USMNT fans will approach this game with a mixture of a need to avenge for that loss and an odd sense of gratitude because we wouldn’t have Pochettino as our manager right now if not for Panama beating us.
With that said, both of those emotions mean we need to kick their ass. 1 part revenge, 1 part new found motivation, and 1 part improved tactics = 3-0 victory, no?
In the graphics below we cover their tactics, their best players, and the USMNT’s keys to victory.
The next obvious question is what should our starting XI be? If those are Panama’s strengths, and our keys to the game, who should Poch put on the field?
Well, here’s our preferred starting XI, along with our rational for the big decisions.
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September 2024 “team of the month”
This is basically how the USMNT would line up in our first matches under Pochettino – if he made his decisions based ONLY on current club form. He obviously won’t do that – but it’s a cool way to look at who is playing well, and who isn’t, for the USMNT.
10.4 – Weekend preview
Best matches of the weekend, brought to you by #DosACero. This is the final match window before the guys head to #Austin for the FIRST CAMP WITH POCHETTINO. Here’s hoping for a strong set of performances, with everyone coming in hot. LFG!
10.1 – Midweek Recap
Best midweek window yet this season for the USMNT.
Our top two choices in the CF battle both did well this window. Balogun won a vital PK that allowed Monaco to tie their match 2-2. He came on at half and honestly Monaco was under pressure most of the half so he was very quiet otherwise. Sargent converted a PK – though he was arguably lucky it wasn’t saved. Still he was the best Norwich player according to match event data and the fans.