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We learned about the US national team in its friendlies against Senegal and Germany.
Against Senegal in Charlotte, we saw the team get a win under their belt thanks to an inspired first-half performance from Christian Pulisic. We got a good test on Saturday against Germany, a quality opponent who made us pay for mistakes in defence.
Let’s get to your questions focusing on the USA Men’s National Team and its match against Paraguay on Friday (9 p.m. ET on FOX One/FOX and streaming live for free on Tubi).
What will be the biggest challenge for our USMNT to overcome?
— Luana (@chaitearose)
The biggest challenge is seizing moments and cleaning up defensively on the biggest stage. In friendly matches, you can be forgiven for not taking chances and making mistakes. At the World Cup, they could prove to be the difference between winning the group or coming second, promotion or going home.
The right mentality and focus mixed with the talent in this group will be key to navigating the responsibility and support that comes with being the host nation.
Leroy Sane made the USA pay with Germany’s second goal on Saturday. (Federico Gambarini/image alliance via Getty Images)
Keep USA ceiling for this World Cup?
— Cam (@cameronadamsk)
I don’t put limits on this group, so I’d say win the WC. It will take a lot for that to happen, but it is possible if everything clicks and we maximize every opportunity in front of us.
What did it take to get there? That would require us to win three games in the knockout rounds, and our men’s national team has only won one once, back in 2002.
Realistically, I can see us getting to the quarter-finals, which would be special and impressive in itself.
How tough is Paraguay compared to our famous rival, Mexico?
— Raphael Lima (@raphlima10)
Both opponents are tough for different reasons. Mexico is our biggest rival and that means every game has a different advantage regardless of quality.
That said, Paraguay present their own problems because they are comfortable playing on the ball and staying strong defensively while looking to attack in transition. When these teams played in a friendly back in November, the game featured a lot of physicality and a brawl at the end. Expect more of that physicality this time around.
How many total players on the roster do you trust to see big time in the World Cup?
— Erik Bowen (@eb50_)
I see we’re using 20 guys on the roster.
There are eight or nine guys you expect to start regularly, with a few positions that offer some potential options for changes. The state of certain games and strategy going into them will determine which positions have their depth and are exploited more.
If we protect a lead, more defenders can see time. If we are chasing a game and need a goal, you will press deeper into your attacking depth.
What music do you listen to before matches?
— Oscar (@parko50)
During the 2010 World Cup, Drake released “Thank Me Later” so it was on heavy rotation.
In the later stages of my career it was similar: hip-hop and R&B. The last two songs on my playlist before going out to the game when I was with the Philadelphia Union were “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill and “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” by Kanye West.
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