Watching these matches so far, there should be little complaining about Pochettino, or, for that matter, Berhalter. Alfaro completely underestimated us. The Turkish coach didn't seem to have a gameplan against the entirely predictable Australia gameplan, even after halftime. Haiti's better than most think, but Steve Clarke is holding Scotland back in games like that. Multiple teams have looked flat and unprepared.
Just curious: if we somehow end up playing Argentina during knockout rounds, will Poch feel any dual loyalty? Like I wonder how much he would want to win that one (at a subconscious level) even if not overt.
I'm not Poch but as an Argentine American I'd be all in on USA, particularly since Messi already won a World Cup now so there's nothing to feel guilty about. I think his professional pride would win out in light of that as well. If Argentina hadn't already won I'd be a lot more anguished about it, and I imagine he would as well. But ultimately he's a competitive guy. He never won the World Cup as a player, he'd want to win something for his own sake.
Should be noted Argentines coach a bunch of South American national sides and none of them have ever gone easy on Argentina in recent years at least. Sampaoli and Pizzi in particular denying them two Copa Americas in a row with Chile.
I'd imagine the shortest road to getting an offer to coach Argentina is being Argentinian and beating Argentina, esp with a side like the USMNT. If you're coaching Brasil or Colombia or something maybe less so.
Worked for Sampaoli, much to our chagrin in 2018. And Tata Martino, who beat Argentina with Paraguay in 2009 WCQ.
I keep making my regular appearances to praise my lord and savior Mauricio Pochettinho… don’t know what happened to everyone else… Maybe they were all just part timers on vacation whose heart wasn’t really in it?
We took our foot off the gas in the second half and it became a scramble. Not sure how much by design, this might’ve been. A better team would’ve punished us, under these circumstances. The good news is that we won our group and are through to the next round against a third place finisher. Playing at home, again.
I haven't been following this thread, but perhaps it's time to close this thread? Or is it being kept open ironically?
f We really need a few posters to give us their opinions before we can close this thread. Alas, this thread will probably be open forever.
One thing I noticed today, that I should have noticed earlier, is how Poch has taken advantage of Freeman’s unique athletic profile. When we build from the back with 3, it’s, Ream-Richards-Freeman. Most teams drop a mid in between the two centerbacks. For us, that would be Adams, who isn’t very good with the ball. So not only does this unusual set up free up Dest to be an elite ball progressor, it also hides one of Adams’ weaknesses. Good stuff.
From the post game on field interviews and press conferences I think Poch has been pleasantly surprised by how much the country has rallied around the team. I think he didn't think the support would be as big as it's been. You can tell he's really enjoying how much the fans are behind the team.
I thought his answer here was good 🇺🇸🇦🇷 Mauricio Pochettino:🗣️ “I’m Argentine and I enjoy Argentina’s success, but I’ll give my life for the United States.”🐐 On Messi: “He’s the best. Six World Cups and everything he has achieved is incredible.”❤️ He also sent his support to #Messi and his family during a… pic.twitter.com/o8LV8y9N1a— Area Sports Network (@AreaSportsNet) June 18, 2026 Also he seems to be enjoying himself What a moment for Mauricio Pochettino 🇺🇸@USMNT pic.twitter.com/333Cl8FXbg— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026 🇺🇸 @USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino explains why the support and energy from the Seattle crowd made him emotional pic.twitter.com/gtqIEFzwyw— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 20, 2026 🗣️ "EN AFICIÓN, ESTAMOS IGUALANDO A ARGENTINA" 👏 Mauricio Pochettino calificó de increíble el apoyo de los fanáticos de @USMNT tras el triunfo ante Australia🇦🇺; a Publisic espera recuperarlo lo antes posible. 🤔 ¿Qué te pareció a ti este partido? 📺 Sigue toda la cobertura… pic.twitter.com/nt9FR5Hpbt— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 19, 2026
I think we all knew a home World Cup would be different and is a special/unique experience. But it’s one thing to know if and another to actually experience it.
Obviously the first two games have gone great. And we’re going to get a round of 32 opponent who we should beat. And if that happens what Pochettino’s tenure is going to be judged on ultimately is that round of 16 game against likely Belgium (but who knows upsets happen).