It Gameday! The USA and Mexico face off for a trophy once again in the Concacaf Nations League Final. After a tight contest in the semifinals, USA manager Gregg Berhalter gave updates on the team’s fitness ahead of the final against Mexico. The USMNT is fit and ready to take on Mexico for supremacy in Concacaf!
The USMNT is Fit
The main missing piece from the USA’s lineup in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal was in the midfield. The attack felt disjointed in moments when the USMNT looked to build from the back. A lot of this had to do with missing their best number six, Tyler Adams. In his press conference yesterday Gregg Berhalter gave an update on his status ahead of the final and spoke on the intensity of USA-Mexico matches.
Tyler Adams is good to go, and needed in midfield
Tyler Adams is available for the final! While Berhalter did not mention if he’ll start, he did say that Adams is “good to go” for the match. This is definitely needed as many of the disjointed midfield moments came from the number six spot. Jackson Yueill played the six role in the semifinal, and there were many times where he failed to spring an attack.
As you can see from the video above, he was quick to play backward at times where he had runners in front of him with a lot of open space. There was visible frustration from Yueill’s teammates when he decided to play that back pass. Yueill is not a bad player by any means he is a good MLS starter for San Jose and has proved himself enough to make this roster and start a semifinal. He just doesn’t present the creative abilities that Adams does have.
If Tyler Adams is fit enough to start, the USA needs to start him. If he’s only good for limited minutes, he has to come on as a sub. He is too good, in a position that is thin for this team to sit on the bench. Mexico will eat the USA alive if they play backward more than forward.
Bring on Mexico!
Berhalter spoke about the intensity these USA-Mexico matches have to them. He played in these matches in the past and now is coaching in them. These two teams seem to always find a way to meet each other in games of consequence in Concacaf play. This one will be no different. Both nations want to win the first-ever Concacaf Nations League and stick it to the other.
Mexico is always ruthless and direct. The way to beat them is to be stout defensively and keep the ball away from their playmakers. The USA is more methodical in their build-up which is very different from days past where they would just boot the ball upfield and hope an attacking sequence ensued. The way to be at the US is to turn them over in transition moments and strike when they have numbers forward.
This game will be a good one! if you want more analysis check out our in-depth match preview on this one:
Don’t miss the action tonight! The match kicks off at 9:36 pm ET on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+
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