The USMNT does have to go through the rigors of World Cup qualifying because it is hosting the 2026 event with Canada and Mexico.
That makes the Copa America the most challenging competition the Americans will enter before hosting the World Cup.
The biggest challenges come further down the line in the tournament for the USMNT. It could face Brazil or Colombia in the quarterfinals.
However, a strong start in tournament play in mandatory to ensure a spot in the final eight.
Under Berhalter, the Americans played well overall at the Concacaf level, but struggled at times with opposition from other continents. They drew with Wales to start the 2022 World Cup and scored just two goals in the group stage.
Bolivia might be the weakest opponent the USMNT faces at the Copa America, so the task at hand is avoiding a drop down to the opponent’s level.
The USMNT needs a clean multi-goal victory powered some of its stars to feel confident about its place in the tournament. That would be a change of pace for the first games of tournaments in the Berhalter era.
The Americans started the 2021 and 2023 Gold Cups with 1-0 and 1-1 results. Their last overpowering tournament opener was a 4-0 win over Guyana to start the 2019 Gold Cup.
Source link : https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10125662-usmnt-vs-bolivia-top-storylines-and-predictions-for-2024-copa-america
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Publish date : 2024-06-22 07:15:36
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