Nervous, mistake-prone USMNT showings vs Saudi Arabia, Japan cast doubt on World Cup prospects

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If the 2-0 loss to Japan on Friday was a wakeup call for the USA, than a 0-0 draw with an unheralded Saudi Arabia side was a true red flag.

Just days ago, the United States was pressed into mistakes and self-inflicted errors against Japan, torn to shreds on the counter by a well-drilled Samurai Blue side not utilizing any overtly elaborate tactics. On Tuesday, the USMNT looked sluggish and deliberate against a bunkered Saudi Arabia that started out with a high line but quickly retreated.

The performances cast doubt on the U.S. and their upcoming World Cup prospects, with the showcase event just seven weeks away and no international breaks remaining between now and the start of the tournament in Qatar.

It will be up to head coach Gregg Berhalter to wade through the two performances and figure out a way to erase the memory of September’s showings and somehow see the United States through to the knockout stage of the World Cup in November.

MORE: USMNT player grades vs. Saudi Arabia

The USA showed mental struggles vs. Saudi Arabia

USMNT players deployed against Saudi Arabia looked devoid of ideas and lacking confidence throughout the 90 minutes. Wild shots, wayward passes, slow reactions, and critical mistakes plagued the U.S. throughout the match as they failed to devise a way through the Saudi Arabia defense.

Gregg Berhalter himself noted that the U.S. players seemed “nervy,” “lacked confidence,” and noted that he could “almost see them thinking on the field.”

Berhalter blamed the lack of mental fortitude on World Cup roster spots being up for grabs. While that’s a response that may satisfy some, it doesn’t really add up. Matt Turner, Walker Zimmerman, Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic, and Gio Reyna all started against Saudi Arabia, and all those players unquestionably have World Cup places locked up.

Whatever the reason for the mental lapses in September, it will be on Berhalter to have them shored up by November.

MORE: Full recap of USMNT’s scoreless draw with Saudi Arabia, including highlights

USMNT striker position still a major question mark

If Gregg Berhalter hoped to have the striker situation solved before the World Cup began in November, that didn’t happen.

After giving Ricardo Pepi the start against Saudi Arabia, the struggling Augsburg striker, this season on loan at Dutch side Groningen, was invisible up front. The service was sparse at best, and he was hardly even drawn into the match with just 13 touches. But he didn’t do himself any favors either.

Berhalter decided to pull Pepi on the hour mark, bringing supposed starter Jesus Ferreira on the field in the hopes of winning the game. While the FC Dallas striker immediately injected some life into the game, it wouldn’t last long and the U.S. would finish the match goalless.

After the match, Berhalter admitted he had planned to bring Josh Sargent into the game, but with the match scoreless, he chose to instead go with Ferreira with hopes of finding a winner. That’s a brutal blow to Sargent any way you interpret the coach’s rationale.

MORE: When are World Cup squads officially announced?

Health is critically important for USMNT

If the likes of Antonee Robinson and Yunus Musah were thought to be essential pieces of the USMNT roster before, that was solidified this September.

There is nobody on the roster who can do what those two do. End of story.

In midfield, Weston McKennie, Kellyn Acosta and Luca de la Torre were unable to take over Musah’s responsibilities of moving the ball upfield, and it left the front three completely isolated in both matches. Even Christian Pulisic couldn’t bring the attackers into the game, instead hacked repeatedly by the Saudi Arabia wide players.

At left-back, Antonee Robinson’s dual abilities going forward and defending are unmatched in the U.S. player pool. Jedi’s improvement has made him extremely important at both the club and international level, and there’s nobody else in the USMNT squad who can have the same impact going forward while still being able to defend one-on-one at the back.

Gio Reyna is still struggling with muscle problems, withdrawn in the 30th minute against Saudi Arabia to raise questions about his availability heading into the World Cup. The 19-year-old was the best attacker for the U.S. before his removal for “precautionary” reasons, and his absence would also create depth issues in Qatar.

Gregg Berhalter better hope he has his best players at the 2022 World Cup, because if not, there will be little he can come with to get the U.S. into the knockout round.

MORE: When is the USA’s first match at the World Cup?

Motivation appeared a problem in September friendlies

Watching both matches you couldn’t help but come away with the sense that the players weren’t exactly thrilled to be playing in meaningless games at empty stadiums across Europe.

While the players repeatedly say there’s no motivation needed when pulling on the USA shirt, the matches gave off a different vibe this September, as the team made mistakes and felt lacking for energy and enthusiasm.

Berhalter praised the effort after the Saudi Arabia match, noting that it was one area he could not criticize. There’s no question they were working, as they were hacked up and down the pitch by their Asian opponents, doing their best to find openings and create chances. Still, they may have put in the effort, but the performances were devoid of inspiration.

The World Cup will surely provide its own motivation, but a different energy was expected, especially given the stakes and what they meant to the team heading into November.

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