The USMNT is coming off of a win against a very good Paraguay team looking to keep the recent streak of solid performances going against Uruguay. Despite missing a significant number of starters against a team that
qualified for the World Cup out of South America, the USA lined up in a more attacking 3-4-2-1 formation and dominated the match. Gio Reyna looked like he belonged and scored an opening goal and Folarin Balogun sealed the win in the second half. Things are coming together for the team and its happening at exactly the right time with a new challenge coming in the form of Uruguay.
La Celeste come into the game under the leadership of Marcelo Bielsa and are once again headed to the World Cup. Bielsa is a known quantity in that he wants to play pressing, attacking, fluid soccer while man marking in defense. On Saturday, Uruguay drew 0-0 with Mexico as both teams played a physical game which saw many fouls, few chances, and the ball mostly stuck in midfield. In fact, the game only saw five total shots from two teams that look to attack and create chances.
For the USA this international break has focused on who is getting rest and isn’t playing as much on what the team is doing. With Poch choosing a roster that rests key players who have seen heavy minutes or are coming back from injury early in this club season, it won’t be a surprise to see the lineup heavily rotated against Uruguay. That means Reyna, Balogun, Tessmann, Scally, and Dest could begin the game on the bench if they see the field at all. However, the win against Paraguay shows that the depth of this team is unexpectedly strong and it will be helpful to get an idea of what players like Ricardo Pepi, Mark McKenzie, and Sebastian Berhalter have to offer in a start for the national team.
Tactically, it doesn’t seem like Poch will stray from his three center back set up. Scally playing center back shows how committed he is to the formation. However, Uruguay are a better side than Paraguay and it will be interesting to see how the USA line up to give the backline more support if needed. Uruguay can create problems for the attack with the pressure it creates so the buildup will either need to move the ball quickly or rely on the speed and athleticism of young American attackers to move forward and create chances.
The USA has struggled against Uruguay in recent meetings. The 1-0 loss in the final group game of the Copa America last year was the lowest point the team has had post the 2022 World Cup. Prior to that, the teams met drawing 0-0 in 2022 in a lackluster game that neither side seemed particularly interested in. The team that is facing Uruguay now is much different. There is a new manager with a clear tactical vision, the team is playing with grit, and it looks like things are coming together. A strong showing will push forward the excitement into the new year and continue the momentum as the World Cup approaches.
