The USMNT has to roll the dice with pressure
Context
Bill's tactical read is that the U.S. team's best traits feed its worst ones. The roster has speed, athleticism, attacking fullbacks/wingbacks, and enough front-foot pressure to bother opponents, but using those strengths leaves space behind a thin center-back group.
The U.S. therefore does not profile like a classic defend-and-counter underdog. Bill is not convinced it can win ugly by sitting deep, so the better path is to press, attack, and accept the defensive exposure. The style is volatile, but it is more coherent than asking this roster to become Italy in a month.
Subject(s)
- Bill Connelly
- World Cup as College Football Lens
- Chris Richards
- Tyler Adams
- Mauricio Pochettino