The United States Men’s National Team begin their quest to win Copa América when they take on Bolivia tomorrow at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The USMNT want to get out to a great start to show that despite some of their struggles in recent friendlies, they are still one of the teams that can go far in this tournament.
They go up against a Bolivia team that has struggled mightily over the past year or so, but always possess the desire to pull off an upset. They have beaten some of the best in South America, so the USMNT cannot take them lightly. Opening up Group C play, these teams will try to heat up the evening inside Jerry World with lots of action and, hopefully, their first win of the tournament.
Latest Form
USA
D (1-1) – Brazil – Friendly
L (1-5) – Colombia – Friendly
W (2-0) – Mexico – Concacaf Nations League Final
W (3-1 AET) – Jamaica – Concacaf Nations League Semifinals
L (0-1) – Slovenia – Friendly
Bolivia
L (0-3) – Colombia – Friendly
L (1-3) – Ecuador – Friendly
L (0-1) – Mexico – Friendly
W (1-0) – Andorra – 2024 FIFA Series
L (2-3) – Algeria – 2024 FIFA Series
What To Watch For
No mistakes. Mistakes will be punished in this tournament, so the USMNT can’t make them. A strict attention to detail will keep potential scoring holes closed for Bolivia and put the Americans in the best positions to attack, score, and win.
Shoot the puck. Bolivia’s goalkeeper should be tested early and often by the United States, and that means that the USMNT need to shoot the ball when they’re inside the attacking third. They’ve had a tendency to try and pass up good shots to try and get better ones, and they get too cute with the ball. You don’t want to discard scoring chances with lackluster passing and foregoing shots. Take the shots and see how the Bolivian keeper reacts.
Pressure, pressure, pressure. Bolivia is prone to making a lot of mistakes, so the United States should put a lot of pressure on their defenders and midfielders. If they keep pushing Bolivia back, they can force La Verde into a mistake that the U.S. can capitalize on quickly.
Lineup Prediction
With this being the first match of the tournament, head coach Gregg Berhalter will use this to put out his top lineup.
Predicted Lineup vs. Bolivia
Matt Turner will be in goal, and you have a back line centered by Tim Ream and Chris Richards. Joe Scally will start at right back, and Antonee Robinson will occupy the left back spot.
In the middle, Tyler Adams is ready and gets the start, though be prepared for Johnny Cardoso to enter at some point in the second half. Weston McKennie will be the 8, and Gio Reyna will operate as a 10.
For the forwards, Christian Pulisic will be on the left wing and Tim Weah will be on the right wing. Folarin Balogun will get the start at the 9 ahead of Ricardo Pepi, but we will see Pepi at some point in the second half.
Prediction
USA wins 4-0 in a good start to the tournament.
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Publish date : 2024-06-22 10:00:00
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