The USMNT is still in a position to advance past the World Cup 2022 group stages despite Friday’s disappointing loss to Japan.
As the Stars and Stripes prepare for their final WC friendly against Saudi Arabia tomorrow, Group B competitors England and Wales are being exposed in the Nations League, both losing 1-0 this weekend to Italy and Poland, respectively.
Both squads were relegated to UEFA Nations League Group B, which is different than World Cup Group B.
With Qatar less than two months away, both United Kingdom squads look laughably beatable. (Unfortunately, so do we.) Hopefully, Berhalter is taking notes – more than likely, though, he’s overfocused on his broken system, unable to consider the competition tactically.
Speaking of broken systems, Uncle Sam’s Army is full of injuries right now, just in time for the biggest competition in the world. Per ESPN, USMNT defender Reggie Cannon is the latest star to join the US injury reserve, taking the bench alongside Timothy Weah, Yunus Musah, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Zack Steffen, Cristian Roldan, and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
One big name is notably absent from the IR – Captain America himself, Christian Pulisic, is reportedly back after missing the Japan match and will start tomorrow against Saudi Arabia.
Berhalter also says Ricardo Pepi will start at forward.
Pepi better finds some goals, and quick – easily-overlooked Group B competitor IR Iran defeated a full-strength (minus Ronald Araujo) 1-0 on Friday, which is by no means an easy task.
Group B is presenting the USMNT with the best chance to advance to the World Cup knockout stages, perhaps ever. Hopefully, the boys pull it together by November.
The USMNT travel to Murcia, Spain, to face Saudi Arabia in their final pre-World Cup friendly tomorrow at 11 am, PST.
Do you think the US will survive the group stages? Sound off below!
Featured Image: Pexels/Petr Ganaj/USSoccerFederation/DM