USMNT Player Ratings: Germany Edges US 2-1 in Final World Cup Warmup
The United States men’s national team lost 2-1 to Germany in a final World Cup friendly on Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago. Despite a standout volley from Antonee Robinson, goals from Kai Havertz and Leroy Sané secured the win for Germany ahead of the U.S. opener against Paraguay this Friday.
How did the USMNT perform against Germany?
The U.S. experienced a fragmented start, struggling with positioning and timing. Manager Mauricio Pochettino fielded a squad that looked like his intended starters, though the team initially struggled to contain the German attack.
Confidence grew as the match progressed. The U.S. established a structure that limited Germany to only one shot on goal for a period, using defensive sequences to launch counter-attacks.
However, the team struggled to find a definitive answer after Leroy Sané scored the game-winning goal before the hour mark. This late-game struggle to produce end product in the final third remained a theme through the closing minutes.
Which players stood out in the final dress rehearsal?
Christian Pulisic was an ever-present threat, utilizing darting runs down the middle and drifting to the right to challenge the German defense. His delivery into the box for Sergiño Dest nearly tied the game early on.
Antonee Robinson provided the standout moment of the match with a volley from outside the box. While he struggled with Sané’s pace at times, he remained vital on the left side until a cramp forced him to leave the game shortly after the 60th minute.
Folarin Balogun demonstrated high work rates, shifting to the left wing to add a new dimension to the attack, though he lacked clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Where did the U.S. defense struggle?
Defensive inconsistencies were evident early. Goalkeeper Matt Freese faced questions regarding his positioning on the opening goal by Kai Havertz, and center back Miles Robinson was beaten by Havertz’s header.
Right back Alex Freeman had a mixed outing, getting caught out by Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Captain Tim Ream offered more consistency than in the previous match against Senegal, though he was caught in an awkward space during Sané’s decisive goal.
The defensive line saw several changes after the 60th minute. Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty entered to maintain structure, while Max Arfsten was caught out on a sequence that allowed Nadiem Amiri a long-distance shot.
What happens next for the U.S. team?
The USMNT now shifts focus to Friday’s World Cup opener against Paraguay. The team may need to address specific positioning issues in the defensive third and the midfield.
The final starting lineup could be impacted by the injury status of center back Chris Richards. Additionally, the coaching staff may evaluate the fitness of Antonee Robinson following the cramp he sustained in Chicago.
Substitutes like Brenden Aaronson, who provided the most dangerous effort of the second half, and Timothy Weah, who showed significant fight late in the game, could play a role in how the U.S. approaches the opening match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the goals for the United States?
Antonee Robinson scored the lone goal for the U.S. with a volley from outside the box.
Where was the friendly match played?
The game took place at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Who is the U.S. playing in their first World Cup match?
The United States will open the World Cup on Friday against Paraguay.
Do you think the USMNT’s late-game struggles in Chicago will impact their approach against Paraguay?