USMNT’s World Cup Reckoning: Three Critical Areas Against Japan

The loss to South Korea highlighted a glaring lack of cohesion and defensive vulnerabilities. Despite outshooting their opponents and registering a higher expected goals (xG) tally, the early defensive lapses proved too costly, allowing South Korea to effectively manage the game. Pochettino`s experimental lineup, a mix of established players and hopeful newcomers, seemed disjointed, underscoring the gap between tactical intention and on-field execution. With just one win in his last seven matches against FIFA Top 30 opponents, and a concerning track record of being outscored 11-2 in first halves against Top 25 foes, the pressure is mounting.

The upcoming friendly against Japan, therefore, is not just another match. It`s an opportunity for correction, a chance to inject confidence and structure into a team still searching for its definitive rhythm. As Pochettino continues his “player pool expansion project,” these friendlies are less about immediate wins and more about forging a robust squad for the ultimate challenge. Here are three critical areas to watch as the USMNT faces Japan:

The Enduring Battle for the No. 9 Spot

The quest for a definitive starting striker has been a persistent puzzle for the USMNT, a narrative that, in a testament to its longevity, predates even Pochettino`s arrival. With Ricardo Pepi and Patrick Agyemang sidelined by fitness issues, the spotlight firmly falls on Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun. The South Korea match offered a revealing chapter in this ongoing audition.

Josh Sargent, rewarded for his prolific start to the Championship season with Norwich City (five goals in four games), started against South Korea. However, his opportunity to break a goal drought stretching back to November 2019 came and went without impact. Sargent managed a mere 17 touches in 62 minutes and failed to register a single shot – a performance mirroring a concerning trend of limited involvement in recent national team appearances. His last six games have seen him register no more than 19 touches and just four shots overall.

Conversely, Folarin Balogun`s 28-minute cameo offered a glimpse of what might be. Despite an injury-plagued year, the Monaco forward took 22 touches and four shots, looking far more engaged and offering a different tactical fit. His proactive approach suggests he might be better suited to lead the line, positioning him to reassert himself as the primary choice. This is not merely a competition; it`s a high-stakes audition where one player`s misstep often becomes another`s gain.

Tactical Flexibility: The Backline Debate

Pochettino`s tactical approach also came under scrutiny, particularly regarding the defensive setup. While the USMNT began with a conventional back four, the introduction of Chris Richards in the second half signaled a shift to a back three. This configuration, rarely employed since Pochettino took the helm, notably improved defensive stability, with the USMNT conceding only one shot on target in the second half.

Richards, alongside debutant Tristan Blackmon and veteran Tim Ream, formed a more rigid defensive block. Pochettino later acknowledged the efficacy of this adjustment, hinting at its potential future application:

“It was a good opportunity for us, to start, to approach with a back four and how we are going to create the dynamics to play in the opposite half and how we will be with our fullbacks and other aspects in the game. Maybe we can use during the game or maybe we can start. We will see. We know but we cannot tell you. … Sometimes, you need to take some risks.”

This willingness to “take some risks” and adapt formations within or between games suggests a pragmatic approach to finding defensive solidity, a crucial component for any team eyeing World Cup success. The question now is whether this tactical versatility will become a consistent feature or remain an emergency option.

The Newcomers` Last Stand: Forging World Cup Depth

Pochettino has designated these September friendlies as the final phase of his player pool expansion project. While strategically sound for building World Cup depth, this constant rotation (14 different lineups in 17 matches) has undoubtedly contributed to a perceived lack of team cohesion. The USMNT often looks like a collection of talented individuals rather than a finely tuned collective.

However, Pochettino robustly defends his approach, emphasizing the long-term vision:

“Also, we need to understand, too, that we need to have quite [a] roster and players that we need to know and give the possibility to play… [At] the World Cup, it’s not a moment to make tests or to give the possibility to get experience. That is why you cannot be surprised.”

This pragmatic stance acknowledges that immediate harmony might be sacrificed for future resilience. The World Cup demands a deep and versatile squad capable of absorbing injuries and tactical shifts. Players like Malik Tillman, whose preseason injury underscored the need for diverse options, exemplify why Pochettino feels compelled to test new players now. The coach openly admitted that rotation is expected against Japan, with those who saw less action against South Korea potentially playing a more significant role. The ultimate goal: to cultivate healthy internal competition, ensuring “another guy in behind pushing” established players.