Lessons learned from USA-Bolivia game in Copa America

The USA opened its 2024 Copa America account with a 2-0 win over Bolivia on Sunday night. The objective for the USMNT was at all times three factors towards an inferior opponent. Because the adage goes, the objective for the crew is getting out of the group. Choosing up three factors towards Bolivia forward of one other winnable sport towards Panama was the primary cog in that course of. But, there was a bitter style within the mouth of USA followers after the win at AT&T Stadium.

Christian Pulisic’s stunner and Folarin Balogun’s insurance coverage objective confirmed what the USMNT is able to. Nonetheless, for each second of positivity out of Gregg Berhalter’s facet, there have been equal moments of frustration. The lack to complete on clear possibilities in entrance of objective, sloppy play out of the defensive third when constructing possession and nervous moments towards a poor Bolivia facet confirmed the cracks within the USMNT.

Gregg Berhalter mentioned considered one of his pre-tournament expectations for the USA was to continually enhance. Primarily based on the schedule at hand, there may be ample alternative to try this with out damaging danger. For instance, the USA was allowed to play comparatively poorly based mostly on the standard of the opposition.

“For us, it’s nearly analyzing and enhancing,” Berhalter mentioned after the win towards Bolivia. “I talked about considered one of our targets all through this match was to maintain attempting to get higher. I just like the efficiency for a gap sport towards a tough opponent. We’re in an excellent place.”

Sure, the USA is in an excellent place. Three factors towards Panama would greater than possible put the USA into the spherical of 16. Nonetheless, the woes of the USA, towards an admittedly not-difficult opponent, ought to increase issues.

Extra medical ending wanted for USA in Copa America

Exterior of three factors, the principle takeaway for the USA was the amount and high quality of possibilities it created. The USMNT had way more possession and 20 pictures to associate with that. Eight of these pictures had been heading in the right direction, which exhibits the USMNT was having success in creation.

“We’ll at all times have a look at likelihood creation as a marker of efficiency, and I feel we created sufficient possibilities at present,” Berhalter mentioned. “And on most days, these likelihood is going to go in — and at present they didn’t, and that’s high quality.”

It might be high quality if it had been simply an off-day for an incredible striker. The USA is working to seek out out which striker works. Balogun acquired the beginning, and his objective got here on the again of an incredible end simply earlier than halftime. Even he missed alternatives together with a unfastened contact on a misfired shot from Joe Scally. Ricardo Pepi got here on as a second-half substitute, and he was wasteful in entrance of the Bolivia internet.

By the tip of the competition, the USMNT amassed an expected-goals statistic of 2.51, which means possibilities had been left unfinished. That is extra worrying given the unrepeatable nature of Pulisic scoring a world-class objective off a nook. Pepi and Balogun had been entering into the fitting areas, which is nice. Nevertheless, ending wants enchancment towards a extra defensively savvy facet like Uruguay. It’s value noting that Bolivia has conceded 14 targets in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. That’s greater than the present prime 4 groups mixed.

Defensive inefficiencies may be cleaned up

Two targets had been sufficient towards Bolivia as a result of the USA’ opponent failed to attain. A stronger facet would have capitalized on errors among the many again line. The complete-backs for the USA had been high quality, Joe Scally and Antonee Robinson maintained their defensive duties whereas parading ahead within the assault.

Chris Richards and Tim Ream didn’t have the identical consolation taking part in out of the again. A number of wayward passes sparked half possibilities for Bolivia. The USMNT was in a position to get well towards weak attackers. But, placing the protection on the again foot towards an assault like Federico Valverde, Darwin Nunez and a younger Facundo Pellistri can have penalties.

There may be definitely an argument that these center-backs would wish to seek out their footing within the Copa America. Although they’ve expertise in prime video games in World Cup qualifying or different tournaments, Bolivia was an unfamiliar opponent. Because the match goes on, they hope to get extra comfy, and the USA can have extra composure taking part in out of the again.

As said, the Panama sport on Thursday, July 27, could possibly be sufficient to place the USMNT into the spherical of 16, taking strain off the group-stage finale towards Uruguay. Till then, Berhalter has the duty of continuous his proposed enchancment in every sport.

PHOTOS: IMAGO.

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