The USMNT faced an unexpected setback, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals. This loss has raised significant concerns regarding the team’s development under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The defeat, which occurred in the second-half stoppage time, was particularly disheartening for a squad anticipated to defend their title.
Now, as they gear up for a third-place showdown against Canada, Pochettino has expressed that he expects more from his players, including standout forward Christian Pulisic.
The disappointment at SoFi Stadium has left both fans and analysts questioning the team’s identity. Despite dominating possession and attempting 12 shots, the U.S. failed to create a genuine attacking threat. Panama’s disciplined defensive strategy hindered their efforts throughout the match, culminating in a late goal from Cecilio Waterman that sealed the Americans’ fate.
In the lead-up to the third-place match, Pochettino did not hold back, urging his squad to exhibit mental resilience and demonstrate their ability to handle pressure. “I think what we want to see is the same focus and concentration and mental level in every single game, whether it’s an official competition or not,” he stated to reporters, as referenced by Jeff Carlisle of ESPN. “And for me, [Sunday] is going to be an important game to evaluate our response. We need to show character … It’s not only about the result but also about [improving] our performance.”
For the Argentine coach, the upcoming clash against Canada is more than just a chance to secure a consolation prize. He views it as a critical test of the team’s mentality and an opportunity for the players to prove their ability to recover from setbacks.
What did Pochettino say about Pulisic’s underwhelming performance?
While the entire team struggled against Panama, Christian Pulisic’s performance was particularly noteworthy for its lack of impact. The Milan winger managed only one shot during the match, which raised eyebrows given his status as the squad’s most influential attacker.
Pochettino acknowledged the challenges faced by the 26-year-old but stood by his star, emphasizing the intense scrutiny he has been under in recent months. “It’s not [an] excuse, but a player like him is under pressure in the last few months, high pressure,” Pochettino explained in his pre-match comments. “For sure, that is not the Christian we want to see because I believe he is capable of much more.“
Nevertheless, the former Premier League coach remains optimistic that Pulisic will rediscover his best form when it’s needed the most. “If we are focusing on our main objective, the World Cup, there’s no doubt that Christian will be prepared and at his best… for us.”
