USMNT looks to rebound against mighty Brazil: 'We need to be ready'-ZoomTech News

Doug McIntyre

Soccer Journalist

ORLANDO, Florida — Since struggling its most one-sided loss in additional than a decade in Saturday’s 5-1 humiliation towards Colombia, followers would possibly count on the temper across the U.S. males’s nationwide workforce to be somber or at the least somewhat bit subdued heading into Wednesday’s second pre-Copa América tuneup versus fearsome Brazil.

That clearly wasn’t the case because the U.S. ready for coaching right here on Tuesday morning at Tenting World Stadium.

“Everybody’s power is a bunch of positivity within the group proper now,” U.S. ahead Tim Weah, who scored the Individuals’ solely aim final weekend, informed a small group of reporters earlier than the session started. “We transfer on, and we study from it, and it is now time to concentrate on our subsequent recreation.”

The following recreation, towards the five-time World Cup champs, will reveal the reality about the place USMNT squad really stands higher than any phrases ever may.

It is sensible that gamers are wanting to overlook the Colombia recreation as quickly as doable. Skilled athletes should have brief reminiscences to have lengthy and profitable careers. That is to not say the Individuals have not spent a lot of the final three days poring over video of how and the place all of it went so mistaken towards Los Cafeteros, which turned the primary opponent to attain 5 occasions towards the U.S. in 15 years. They’ve. However dwelling on the ugly end result too lengthy has its risks, too. Particularly with a foe as ruthless as Brazil mendacity in wait on Wednesday.

“We all know that we’re dealing with one other world-class workforce. We should be prepared for it,” ahead Brenden Aaronson stated.

“The scoreline confirmed that the [Colombia] recreation wasn’t ok, and everyone knows that. But it surely’s soccer, and generally it would not go your approach. Generally you do not play as much as the usual. All people has unhealthy video games, has unhealthy performances. Whenever you have a look at it, it would [feel like] the tip of the world at moments. But it surely’s not.”

Having that form of big-picture perspective is wholesome. But there is no getting round the truth that there all of a sudden is actual stress on this workforce now with the U.S.’s Copa América opener versus Bolivia lower than two weeks away. The Individuals want to reply in a giant approach. One other a number of aim capitulation and people unhealthy vibes will snowball rapidly. However beating the Seleção outright is a tall order for any nation, although. The U.S. has misplaced 18 of 19 matches all-time to the Brazilians. Underneath the circumstances, a tie can be a triumph. Even an in depth loss may very well be acceptable — relying on how the hosts look, after all.

“I believe the message for the workforce after the Colombia recreation just isn’t chasing outcomes,” coach Gregg Berhalter stated throughout Tuesday’s pre-match press convention. “For us, it is about actually specializing in the efficiency.”

Berhalter struck a barely lighter tone on Tuesday than he did within the quick aftermath of final weekend’s defeat.

“When it comes to digesting it, it is enterprise as standard,” he stated. “We have a look at what we did nicely and have a look at what we did not do nicely. We analyze it. We had been very important of some conditions on the sector. However the guys see that, additionally, it isn’t private. We needed to play higher in that recreation, particularly in the direction of the tip of the sport. We gave away targets too simply, and we talked about that. And if we’re gonna have an opportunity to get a end result on this recreation, we will not make those self same errors.

“However the temper is nice,” he added. “The mindset is nice and [we’re] able to exit and compete towards Brazil.”

Having Tyler Adams’ chew in central midfield ought to assist. The 2022 World Cup captain sat out Saturday however is wholesome sufficient to play nearly a half on Wednesday after an injury-ravaged season within the Premier League, the coach stated. Aaronson can also be in line for his first pre-tournament motion, as is central defender Miles Robinson. Robinson may begin over Tim Ream or Cameron Carter-Vickers, who each struggled mightily within the final match.

Extra depth shall be wanted from the opening whistle. General, although, the U.S. has little selection however to run it again with principally the identical ways and personnel and hope that minor tweaks are sufficient to make a significant distinction.

“We’ve got to be courageous and proceed with our plan,” Berhalter stated. “Clearly, a number of stress from the skin after a 5-1 defeat at dwelling. However for us, it is about making ready this group for Copa América, which is a very powerful factor.

“We all know that these alternatives do not come daily, the prospect to play towards Brazil,” he added. “We’re actually relishing it and the gamers are excited. The entire squad is prepared.”

We’ll see. Phrases are low cost. Ultimately, the Individuals will do the one speaking that issues with their toes.

Doug McIntyre is a soccer author for FOX Sports activities. Earlier than becoming a member of FOX Sports activities in 2021, he was a workers author with ESPN and Yahoo Sports activities and he has coated the United States males’s and ladies’s nationwide groups at a number of FIFA World Cups. Observe him at @ByDougMcIntyre.