USMNT prepares for Turkey fixture
The U.S. men’s national team is set to face Turkey in their final Group D match on Thursday. Despite the impending World Cup round of 32 fixture, coach Mauricio Pochettino has emphasised the team’s focus on securing a victory in the upcoming game.
The team watched Bosnia and Herzegovina defeat Qatar, a result that makes Bosnia the likely opponent for the USMNT in the round of 32 on July 1. However, the team maintains its attention is on the immediate challenge against Turkey.
Captain Tim Ream acknowledged the likelihood of facing Bosnia but stated, “We’re really just focused on ourselves and continuing what we’re doing within the group.”
Squad rotation and injury updates
Pochettino confirmed that several key players will not feature against Turkey due to yellow card accumulation. Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, and Folarin Balogun are among those who will be rested to avoid further bookings that could lead to suspension in the knockout stage.
“I don’t think it’s necessary to take a risk and then take another yellow card and be not available for the next stage,” Pochettino explained. This decision aims to ensure the team’s readiness for the round of 32 match.
Christian Pulisic is available for selection, as confirmed by the winger earlier in the week. However, it is still being decided whether he will start or come off the bench. Cristian Roldan is currently being evaluated for a slight quadriceps issue. If he is unavailable for the Turkey match, he is hoped to return “next week.”
Pochettino indicated that the team’s staff is considering various factors for player rotation, including load management from their club seasons. Players such as Malik Tillman, Sergiño Dest, and Alex Freeman might benefit from resting after limited playing time at the end of their club campaigns.
The coach also implied that players with yellow cards might not approach the game with the desired mentality, potentially being concerned about picking up a second yellow and missing the knockout rounds. He stressed the importance of selecting a team that is fully committed to the match.
“I need to be sure that the team that is going to be (on the field) tomorrow wants to eat the grass here in SoFi and play like this is the final of the World Cup,” Pochettino stated.
Turkey’s campaign and USMNT’s objectives
Turkey’s World Cup campaign concluded after consecutive defeats to Australia and Paraguay. Despite their elimination, Turkey’s head coach Vincenzo Montella expressed his commitment, stating, “I have put my heart, my life my passion. I don’t want to resign, I have no desire, I have more to give.”
Pochettino anticipates a challenging match against Turkey, despite their elimination. He believes that playing in a World Cup match, defending one’s jersey, flag, and culture, always involves pride. “I have no doubt the Turkish team is going to be competitive,” he added, indicating that the USMNT is not expecting an easy game.
The USMNT coach emphasised the importance of winning the group stage, even though they have already qualified. “What we are thinking is to win tomorrow. Of course we are qualified, but we want to win. We are analyzing all the situations, the circumstances, and for sure we are going to take the best decision, the best starting 11 that we believe are ready to play and be sure that we are going to compete,” Pochettino said.
The objective is to arrive at the next stage with three victories, if possible, and to put the USMNT in the best position to select an ideal starting eleven for the upcoming round of 32 match on July 1.
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Source: nytimes.com
