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We met the United States team in their friendlies against Senegal and Germany.
Against Senegal in Charlotte, we saw the team claim a victory thanks to an inspired first half performance from Christian Pulisic. We had a good test last Saturday against Germany, a quality rival that made us pay for our mistakes in defense.
Let’s get to your questions by focusing on the US men’s national team and their match against Paraguay on Friday (9 pm ET on FOX One/FOX and live streaming free on Tubi).
What will be the biggest challenge our USMNT will have to overcome?
-Luana (@chaitearose)
The biggest challenge is capitalizing on moments and cleaning things up defensively on the biggest stage. In friendlies, not taking risks and making mistakes can be forgiven. At the World Cup, they can make the difference between winning the group or finishing second, advancing or returning home.
The right mindset and approach combined with the talent of this group will be key to navigating 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/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
The US team’s ceiling for this World Cup?
– Camera (@cameronadamsk)
I’m not putting limits on this group, so I would say winning the World Cup. It would take a lot to make this happen, but it is possible if everything falls into place and we maximize every opportunity we have in front of us.
What would it take to get there? Three games would need to be won in the knockout rounds, and our men’s team only won one once, back in 2002.
Realistically, I can see us reaching the quarter-finals, which would be special and impressive in itself.
How tough is Paraguay in relation to our well-known rival, Mexico?
— Rafael Lima (@raphlima10)
Both opponents are tough for different reasons. Mexico is our biggest rival and that means that each game has a different advantage regardless of the quality.
That said, Paraguay offers its own problems because it is comfortable playing against the ball and staying strong defensively while looking to attack in transition. When these teams played a friendly in November, the game featured a lot of physicality and a fight at the end. Expect more of that physicality in this round.
How many total players in the squad do you have confidence in to have an important time in the World Cup?
—Erik Bowen (@eb50_)
I can see us using 20 guys on the roster.
There are eight or nine guys you expect to start regularly, with a couple of positions offering some potential trade options. The state of certain games and the strategy adopted will determine which positions have their depth and will be exploited the most.
If we are protecting a lead, more defenders may see time. If we are chasing a game and need a goal, you will make more use of your attacking depth.
What music do you listen to before games?
— 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 pre-game playlist when I was with the Philadelphia Union were “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill and “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” by Kanye West.
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