America opened its 2024 Copa America account with a 2-0 win over Bolivia on Sunday night. The aim for the USMNT was at all times three factors in opposition to an inferior opponent. Because the adage goes, the aim for the staff is getting out of the group. Selecting up three factors in opposition to Bolivia forward of one other winnable recreation in opposition to Panama was the primary cog in that course of. But, there was a bitter style within the mouth of USA followers after the win at AT&T Stadium.
Christian Pulisic’s stunner and Folarin Balogun’s insurance coverage aim confirmed what the USMNT is able to. Nonetheless, for each second of positivity out of Gregg Berhalter’s facet, there have been equal moments of frustration. The shortcoming to complete on clear possibilities in entrance of aim, sloppy play out of the defensive third when constructing possession and nervous moments in opposition to a poor Bolivia facet confirmed the cracks within the USMNT.
Gregg Berhalter mentioned one in every of his pre-tournament expectations for america was to continuously enhance. Primarily based on the schedule at hand, there may be ample alternative to do this with out damaging danger. For instance, america was allowed to play comparatively poorly primarily based on the standard of the opposition.
“For us, it’s nearly analyzing and bettering,” Berhalter mentioned after the win in opposition to Bolivia. “I talked about one in every of our goals all through this match was to maintain attempting to get higher. I just like the efficiency for a gap recreation in opposition to a troublesome opponent. We’re in place.”
Sure, america is in place. Three factors in opposition to Panama would greater than seemingly put america into the spherical of 16. Nonetheless, the woes of america, in opposition to an admittedly not-difficult opponent, ought to increase considerations.
Extra scientific ending wanted for USA in Copa America
Exterior of three factors, the principle takeaway for america was the amount and high quality of possibilities it created. The USMNT had way more possession and 20 photographs to associate with that. Eight of these photographs had been on the right track, which exhibits the USMNT was having success in creation.
“We’ll at all times take a look at probability creation as a marker of efficiency, and I believe we created sufficient possibilities as we speak,” Berhalter mentioned. “And on most days, these likelihood is going to go in — and as we speak they didn’t, and that’s positive.”
It will be positive if it had been simply an off-day for an amazing striker. America is working to search out out which striker works. Balogun bought the beginning, and his aim got here on the again of an amazing end simply earlier than halftime. Even he missed alternatives together with a unfastened contact on a misfired shot from Joe Scally. Ricardo Pepi got here on as a second-half substitute, and he was wasteful in entrance of the Bolivia internet.
By the top of the competition, the USMNT amassed an expected-goals statistic of two.51, which means possibilities had been left unfinished. That is extra worrying given the unrepeatable nature of Pulisic scoring a world-class aim off a nook. Pepi and Balogun had been moving into the fitting areas, which is nice. Nonetheless, ending wants enchancment in opposition to a extra defensively savvy facet like Uruguay. It’s price noting that Bolivia has conceded 14 objectives in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. That’s greater than the present prime 4 groups mixed.
Defensive inefficiencies will be cleaned up
Two objectives had been sufficient in opposition to Bolivia as a result of america’ opponent failed to attain. A stronger facet would have capitalized on errors among the many again line. The total-backs for america had been positive, Joe Scally and Antonee Robinson maintained their defensive obligations whereas parading ahead within the assault.
Chris Richards and Tim Ream didn’t have the identical consolation taking part in out of the again. A number of wayward passes sparked half possibilities for Bolivia. The USMNT was in a position to get better in opposition to weak attackers. But, placing the protection on the again foot in opposition to an assault like Federico Valverde, Darwin Nunez and a younger Facundo Pellistri may have penalties.
There may be actually an argument that these center-backs would want to search out their footing within the Copa America. Although they’ve expertise in prime video games in World Cup qualifying or different tournaments, Bolivia was an unfamiliar opponent. Because the match goes on, they hope to get extra snug, and america can have extra composure taking part in out of the again.
As acknowledged, the Panama recreation on Thursday, July 27, may very well be sufficient to place the USMNT into the spherical of 16, taking stress off the group-stage finale in opposition to Uruguay. Till then, Berhalter has the duty of constant his proposed enchancment in every recreation.
PHOTOS: IMAGO.
Copa América 2024
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