On Tuesday, the United States suffered a consecutive defeat, falling 2-0 to Portugal in an exhibition match held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, thereby concluding its international fixtures for March.
Francisco Trincão initiated the goal-tally during the first half, and João Félix subsequently netted another goal in the second, executing a superb volley from the edge of the penalty box following a strategic free-kick.
This defeat followed a substantial 5-2 rout inflicted by Belgium on Saturday, which marked their concluding pre-tournament encounters before Mauricio Pochettino is set to announce his World Cup roster on May 26.
The U.S. manager altered the lineup significantly, making six changes from the team that fell to Belgium. Christian Pulisic featured in a pivotal central role, spearheading Pochettino’s tactical setup. However, this strategic alteration failed to help Pulisic overcome his goal drought, leading to his replacement at the intermission during his eighth consecutive appearance for the U.S. without scoring.
Portugal, however, was competing without the services of two of its prominent figures: Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sidelined due to injury, and Bernardo Silva, who was absent from the squad for the March international period.
Nevertheless, Roberto Martinez’s squad still possessed abundant skill across the pitch and effectively stymied the U.S. for the entire duration. Apart from a handful of long-range attempts, the U.S. found few genuine opportunities on Portugal’s goal.
Matthew Freese guarded the net for the U.S. instead of Matt Turner, who had featured in the match against Belgium. Freese made several crucial interventions, preventing a more significant disparity in the final scoreline.
Prior to the commencement of the World Cup, Pochettino’s USMNT has two more preparatory matches scheduled – against Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6.
On June 12, the U.S. will commence its Group D campaign at the World Cup, facing Paraguay in Inglewood, California, followed by matches against Australia and Türkiye in its bid to advance to the elimination stages.