USMNT blanked in World Cup tune-up | USA vs. Portugal recap & reaction (Soccer 3/31)

About this episode

The episode discusses the USMNT's 2-0 defeat to Portugal and the implications for their World Cup preparation.

After a 2-0 defeat to Portugal, more questions than answers surround Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT. Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola break down a frustrating night and a March camp defined by constant tinkering, with tactics, personnel, and, most notably, a back four that still isn’t convincing this close to the World Cup. There were bright spots - Auston Trusty made the most of his opportunity - but who else helped or hurt their case with the roster deadline looming? The guys debate the biggest selection dilemmas and build their ideal XI for the opener against Paraguay. Despite back-to-back losses, Pochettino and Christian Pulisic are striking a positive tone… but is that optimism justified, or a warning sign? Plus, Türkiye punch their ticket to Group D - are they the immediate favorites to top it? And what did Pochettino really mean by saying his squad doesn’t feature “top 100” players? Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Call It What You Want team on X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JimmyConrad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @CharlieDavies9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TMeola1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, Tony Meola

Topics covered

• USMNT performance
• World Cup preparation
• soccer tactics
• player selection
• USA vs. Portugal recap
• optimism in sports

Keywords

• USMNT
• World Cup
• Portugal
• Mauricio Pochettino
• Auston Trusty
• Christian Pulisic
• soccer tactics
• player selection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mauricio Pochettino

Places: USA, Portugal, Türkiye

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