Welcome to a new week, an interesting one from a soccer perspective, as the new format of the debated, curious, and financially significant Club World Cup is approaching. Before that, let`s discuss the weekend`s games.
Soccer Highlights
USMNT`s Struggles Continue
Another match, another defeat for Mauricio Pochettino`s USA team, marking his third consecutive loss as coach, a first for the team in a decade. While a 2-1 friendly loss to a strong Turkey side is not as dire as the Nations League campaign, the key takeaway is that with a year until the World Cup on home soil (and a week before the Gold Cup), there is substantial work ahead.
Looking deeper, the starting lineup against Turkey in East Hartford was notably different from a potential squad for next summer. Key players such as Christian Pulisic (resting after the club season), Antonee Robinson, and Folarin Balogun (injured), along with Weston McKennie and Giovanni Reyna (needed for the Club World Cup), were absent. Four debutants were included in a team that started brightly. Jack McGlynn cut in from the right and delivered a brilliant curling strike to score. However, Turkey took the lead before the half-hour mark when Arda Guler intercepted a loose pass from Johnny Cardoso, and Kerem Akturkoglu added another goal just minutes later. The USMNT created the majority of chances in the remaining hour, but only Malik Tillman came close to scoring.
Ultimately, the game was decided by play in both penalty areas. However, outside of that, Pochettino saw positives. His team pressed aggressively, a characteristic of his coaching style, and maintained 60 percent possession. Pochettino commented that despite trying a new game plan with limited preparation time against an opponent like Turkey, the team was able to control possession and the flow of the game.
The hope is that this summer provides an opportunity for the squad – which includes foundational players like Tyler Adams and Chris Richards – to become more familiar with the coach`s demands. There would still be time for players like Pulisic to add a touch of quality before next summer. Crucially, if the US is to make a significant impact at the World Cup, they need to develop consistency in beating teams of Turkey`s caliber.
Portugal Secures Nations League Title
Meanwhile, in Europe, Portugal became the first nation to win the UEFA Nations League title twice. The true prestige of this trophy is open to interpretation, but winning against rivals is always a positive way to conclude a competition cycle. Roberto Martinez`s side accomplished just that, following their semi-final victory over Germany by defeating their neighbors (and strong favorites) Spain in a penalty shootout.
It`s fair to say the European champions dominated in terms of possession, territory, and chances, but Portugal`s fighting spirit was highly admirable. They equalized twice, first through Nuno Mendes and then Cristiano Ronaldo. Both sides missed opportunities to win the match late on. Bruno Fernandes and his teammates then held their nerve from the penalty spot, with Alvaro Morata being the only Spanish player to miss. This victory marks Portugal`s third major title in nine years. While this squad is quite different from the one that triumphed at Euro 2016, it has just as much of a claim to be considered among the top contenders for major international trophies.
Martinez highlighted the team`s confidence, resilience, trust, quality, and depth, stating he has 16-17 players performing at a similar high level, which provides tactical flexibility. This Portugal team demonstrates impressive balance across age and talent. Left-back Nuno Mendes was named player of the tournament after an excellent season for Paris Saint-Germain, playing alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves, who looked solid at right-back for the national side. Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Ruben Dias bring significant experience, while Rafael Leao and Diogo Jota offer tempting options from the bench. Even Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40, appears to fit into the team dynamics better than he did at the 2022 World Cup, seemingly less of a constraint on his teammates.
Given their recent form, it is curious that Portugal is not universally ranked among the truly top-tier favorites to win the World Cup next summer. Based on their performance over the past week, they absolutely should be.
Other Football News
More analysis from Connecticut indicates that the USMNT is showing signs of being able to execute Pochettino`s tactical ideas, even in defeat.
A dramatic weekend unfolded in Italy. The Azzurri began their World Cup qualifiers with a 3-0 loss to an impressive Norway side. Their response? To sack Luciano Spalletti – but only after he coaches tomorrow`s game against Moldova. Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli are reported as the main contenders as Italy remarkably faces a challenge to qualify for their first World Cup in 12 years.
It was a hectic weekend for managerial changes. It started late on Friday with Tottenham confirming Ange Postecoglou`s sacking, which came after much deliberation, following a recent Europa League triumph [Note: Source information regarding Europa League triumph seems incorrect, but the sacking report is included as per the original text]. Brentford`s Thomas Frank is considered the leading candidate for the vacant position.
Some breaking news this Monday morning. FIFA has confirmed that J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems will perform at the halftime show during the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
Liverpool is reportedly pushing to reach an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz in what could potentially be a British record transfer deal. Analysis suggests why such a significant investment would be money well spent.
In a turn of events more fitting of a dramatic play than CONCACAF action, Canada manager Jesse Marsch has alleged that three Vancouver Whitecaps players were `poisoned` while on the road for their Champions Cup match against Cruz Azul.
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he will not be participating in the Club World Cup. He is expected to extend his contract at Al-Nassr following reports last week of talks with Saudi government officials.
