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We discovered the United States national team during their friendly matches against Senegal and Germany.
Against Senegal in Charlotte, we saw the team get a win under their belt thanks to an inspired performance from Christian Pulisic in the first half. We had a good test last Saturday against Germany, a quality opponent who made us pay for our mistakes in defense.
Let’s move on to your questions, focusing on the United States men’s national team and its game against Paraguay on Friday (9 p.m. ET on FOX One/FOX and free live stream on Tubi).
What will be the biggest challenge facing our USMNT?
– Luana (@chaitearose)
The biggest challenge is capitalizing on highlights and cleaning things up defensively on the biggest stage. In friendly matches, not taking risks and making mistakes can be forgiven. At the World Cup, they can be the difference between winning the group or finishing second, advancing or going home.
The right mentality and focus, coupled with the talent of this group, will be key to handling the responsibility and support that comes with being a host nation.
Leroy Sané made the United States pay with Germany’s second goal last Saturday. (Federico Gambarini/photo alliance via Getty Images)
Team USA ceiling for this toilet?
– Cam (@cameronadamsk)
I don’t put limits on this group, so I would say win the World Cup. It would take a lot for this to happen, but it is possible if everything goes well and we maximize every opportunity presented to us.
What would it take to get there? That would require us to win three matches in the round of 16, and our men’s national team has only won one, in 2002.
In fact, I can imagine us reaching a quarter-final, which would be special and impressive in itself.
How tough is Paraguay compared to our known rival Mexico?
– Raphaël Lima (@raphlima10)
Both opponents are tough for different reasons. Mexico is our biggest rival and that gives every match a different edge, no matter how good it is.
That said, Paraguay presents its own issues as it is comfortable playing off the ball and remaining solid defensively while looking to attack in transition. When these teams played in a friendly in November, the match featured a lot of physicality and a brawl at the end. Expect more of that physicality this round.
How many players in total do you have confidence in seeing a major moment at the World Championships?
-Erik Bowen (@eb50_)
I can see us using 20 guys on the roster.
There are eight or nine guys you’d expect to start regularly, with a few positions offering potential options for a change. The state of certain games and the strategy carried out there will determine which positions have depth and will be exploited more.
If we protect a lead, more defenders might see time. If we are chasing a game and need to score a goal, you will exploit your offensive depth more.
What music do you listen to before matches?
-Oscar (@parko50)
During the 2010 World Cup, Drake released “Thank Me Later,” so it was in heavy rotation.
In the later stages of my career it was similar: hip hop and R&B. The last two songs on my playlist before leaving for the game when I was with the Philadelphia Union were Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares” and Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.”
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