The US national team's recent friendly matches against Senegal and Germany have provided a glimpse into the team's evolving identity under the leadership of coach Pochettino. While the results may not have been perfect, the performance following an early conceded goal against Germany was particularly encouraging, showcasing the team's resilience and togetherness. This is a crucial development as the US prepares for the World Cup, where they will face tough opponents and need to demonstrate their ability to bounce back from setbacks. The team's press has been functioning better, and their competitive spirit is evident, even if it's not all huffing and puffing. The intangibles and togetherness were on full display, even after Leroy Sané beat Freese for the match-winner. The US will now begin their World Cup in earnest at their training base in Irvine, California, and the team's chemistry and cohesion are key to their success. Personally, I think the US team has made significant progress under Pochettino's leadership, and their performance against Germany was a testament to their growth. However, there are still tough decisions to be made, especially concerning which defenders give the team its most stable bedrock and how to calibrate a two-tiered midfield. The team's ability to adapt and respond to challenges will be crucial in the World Cup, and I'm excited to see how they continue to evolve and improve.
