USA 2, Belgium 5: Pochettino’s Americans flop in pre-World Cup test
“The U.S. men’s national team hoped that these spring friendlies, the last before coach Mauricio Pochettino selects his World Cup roster, would reinforce the positive momentum of the fall. Instead, a deflating loss served as a warning for what can come against some of the world’s best teams and against the game’s attacking players. Saturday’s game against Belgium, a top-10 European opponent, was the type of test that could show how ready this American team is for a home World Cup. Pochettino’s lineup featured most of the country’s biggest stars: Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson and Tim Weah. But despite a bright start, Belgium found its stride just before halftime and in the first 15 minutes of the second half, with Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku setting the pace as the Red Devils eased to a 5-2 win. …”
NY Times/The Athletic